On Sunday, June 29, 2025, the prestigious Swiss Piano Prize Prix Serdang was awarded to the young German pianist Colin Pütz at the Villa Serdang in Feldbrunnen near Solothurn, Switzerland. The award was presented by curator Rudolf Buchbinder and initiator Adrian Flury.
The formal award ceremony took place in the context of a recital given by the prizewinner, featuring works by Ludwig van Beethoven. The Prix Serdang carries a prize of 50,000 Swiss Francs and is awarded without any conditions or stipulations.
“Villa Serdang stands for cultural exchange, artistic dialogue, and the promotion of young talent – a special place where promising careers can begin. In this inspiring environment, we are delighted to present Colin Pütz with the Prix Serdang. His extraordinary musical maturity and expressive depth make him one of the most exciting pianistic personalities of his generation. That he is receiving this prize – which represents recognition, encouragement, and support – is thanks in no small part to the keen instincts of our curator Rudolf Buchbinder, whose eye for outstanding talent is unmatched. It is an honor to accompany Colin Pütz on his path.”
— Adrian Flury, Initiator of the Prix Serdang
“Colin’s piano playing combines technical brilliance and expressiveness with a touching naturalness. It is as if the music speaks through him – not staged, not memorised, but coming from deep within. Colin´s ability to not only play the great works of piano literature, but to narrate them, is particularly remarkable. Whether Beethoven or Chopin, Bach or Schubert, he finds his own truth in every phrase“
— Rudolf Buchbinder, Pianist and Curator
As part of the award ceremony, Colin Pütz performed a solo recital at Villa Serdang. The program featured Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Eroica Variations” op. 35 and the Sonata No. 23 in F minor, op. 57 – the famous “Appassionata”. With technical brilliance and musical maturity, the young pianist captivated the audience and delivered a defining artistic statement within the festive setting.
In response to receiving the award, Colin Pütz shared the following:
“When I first learned of the award, I could hardly believe it. There are so many outstanding young pianists – many of them far better known than I am. That I am the one to receive the Prix Serdang 2025 is a great honor and an even greater motivation. It gives me confidence that perhaps I really can achieve my dream of becoming a concert pianist.”
Photo by: Thomas Entzeroth