The music of Swiss composer Reto Stadelmann is profoundly influenced by his alpine folk roots. Reto's early compositions in traditional Swiss style include Bärgandacht (Mountain Prayers), an instant best-seller and one of the most performed Swiss yodelling songs today.
Reto studied composition in London, Manchester and Cologne, gaining his Doctorate at the University of York. His creative talents have been rewarded with numerous prizes and distinctions, including the Westminster Music Prize, the Read Scholarship and the Werkbeitrag für Komponierte Musik (work grant for composed music) from the City and Canton of Lucerne.
Today, Reto Stadelmann's compositions combine folkloric features from his Swiss homeland with contemporary classical music of the highest international standards. Mixing the traditional with modern, he creates a dynamic and authentic space for the interplay of voices bridging epochs and cultures.
Expertly composing for all instrumental combinations, Stadelmann continually produces innovative solutions. His enthusiasm for experimentation, his interest in variety and contrasts and his urge for musical authenticity drive him to continually reinvent himself and take unexplored paths.
His many awards include a nomination for the European Music Prize YEAH! 2015 Award for his interactive music-and-dance production Opportunity (ACHTBRÜCKEN Festival / Music for Cologne, Germany). His cultural education project Kunstorchester Kwaggawerk won first prize in the category New Approaches in the World of Music in the nationwide competition held by the Deutscher Musikrat (German Music Council) for the 2008 Day of Music.
