Ambassador of Swiss wind music

Born in 1969 in Ticino, Carlo Balmelli has been shaping and promoting Swiss wind music culture for decades as a conductor, trombonist and music school director.

Carlo Balmelli grew up in a highly musical family. After studying trombone at the Bern Conservatory, he trained as a conductor. Among other endeavours, Balmelli conducted the National Youth Wind Orchestra and for many years has been leading various orchestras such as the Musikgesellschaft Konkordia Egerkingen or the Stadtharmonie Oerlikon Seebach. In his native Ticino, he founded the orchestra di fiati della svizzera italiana (ofsi) and led the Civica Filarmonica di Mendrisio to great success. He is also a sought-after guest conductor abroad and promotes young musicians as a teacher at various music schools.

Carlo Balmelli also passes on his vast knowledge as an editor of wind music literature. In this way he builds bridges between the world of amateur and professional musicians. With his commitment, he demonstrates in an impressive way how to preserve traditions - and at the same time inspire younger generations. In 2022, he was awarded the Stephan Jaeggi Prize for his achievements. This prize is considered the highest honour in Swiss wind music.