We are delighted to share this wonderful news with you: the Sion Festival has been awarded the 2026 Valais Culture and Economy Award in recognition of its more than half a century of commitment to the cultural and economic life of the region. Founded in 1964 by Tibor Varga, the Festival has established itself as a major cultural institution whose influence extends far beyond the cantonal borders.

As Foundation Board President Olivier Vocat aptly puts it: “This award belongs to all those who bring the Festival to life. Thanks to their dedication, the Sion Festival has overcome challenges, continued to evolve, and carried the music of Valais to audiences around the world.” We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our dear friends and supporters, who have stood by us in your own unique ways over so many years.

The Legacy of a unique musical vision

As you may know, the history of the Sion Festival is part of a unique musical legacy created in the heart of Valais by the renowned Hungarian violinist Tibor Varga. It forms a remarkable triptych dedicated to musical education (through the Tibor Varga Academy), musical dissemination (through the Sion Festival), and artistic excellence (through the Tibor Varga Competition). Since 2017, this heritage has been preserved and developed by the Fondation Sion Violon Musique.

Over more than sixty years, the Festival has experienced periods of growth, transformation, and challenge. Since 2013, under the leadership of a new artistic and management team led by Pavel Vernikov, it has continued to evolve. This distinction celebrates what General Director Ruth Puhr describes as “a shared adventure that has filled the city of Sion with music every summer for more than sixty years.”

Established in 2018, the Valais Culture and Economy Award, which carries a prize of CHF 20,000, is presented annually based on four criteria:

• The originality, quality, and exemplary nature of the productions and achievements, as recognised by both cultural and business communities;
• The event’s national and international reach, as well as its lasting impact;
• Its cultural and economic contribution to the Canton of Valais;
• A proven, sound, and sustainable funding model.

More Than a Festival

Over the course of nearly three summer weeks, the Sion Festival brings together around 250 musicians and welcomes approximately 7,000 audience members. Conceived as a true celebration of music, it takes place in both iconic and unexpected venues, fosters encounters between internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talents, encourages dialogue between artistic disciplines, and is committed to making classical music accessible to the widest possible audience.

Join us from 21 August for the 62nd edition of the Sion Festival, and help us write the next chapter in its remarkable history.