A grandiose celebration at the Tonhalle for the 9th Film Music Competition

The Film Music competition is one of the highlights of the Zurich Film Festival. This year, the ninth, it started with the ZFF suite written by the Baldenweg Trio better known as Diego, Nora and Lionel Baldenweg… composers of such gems as Die kleine Hexe and Zwingli.

Returning to the Tonhalle this year after renovations was a cause for celebration. The Tonhalle orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Franz Strobel, filled the hall with beautiful music from “Lord of the Rings” and “Henry the V” as well as soundtracks written by Golden Eye Lifetime achievement recipient Mychael Danna, winner of the Oscar for “Life of Pi”.

One hundred and eighty two composers from thirty seven counties entered their scores for the short film “ETIQUETA NEGRA” by David Vergés. The three finalists were winner, Andrey Mordovsky (Russia) John Heins (USA) Julien Bellanger (France). After treating the audience with their compositions to accompany the movie, the jury, Mychael Danna, Diego Baldenweg, and Pirmin Marti, then deliberated during the pause. The winner was announced and presented with 10,000 CHF to continue his musical career.  What makes this a special event during the ZFF is the beautiful orchestral music in an equally beautiful concert hall and the presentation of the golden eye to the winner, Andrey Mordovsky as well as the special guest, Mychael Danner.

About the author:

Brigid Fell Schlunegger has loved photography since her grandmother gave her her first camera at age 10.  After raising 5 children she then went on to photographing celebrities at the Zürich Film Festival and taking many travel photos in places as far flung as South Africa and Iceland. Her passion is music appreciation. She enjoys writing about her favourite concerts.

• Andrey Mordovsky
• Film Music Competition
• ZFF