Simon Gabriel

Simon Gabriel, born on June 9, 2008, as the second son of a farming family in S-chanf, developed a passion for the trumpet at an early age when he decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps. Fortunately, the Oberengadin Music School sent its teacher, Ludwig Anton Wilhalm, to S-chanf to support the young brass player.

Simon attended primary school in S-chanf and began attending the Talentschule in Champfér in August 2021. Alongside his academic commitments, he invests a significant amount of time in his musical education and takes lessons in trumpet and piano at the Oberengadin Music School.

His teachers describe Simon as an exceptional talent. In addition to regular music lessons, he regularly participates in week-long courses and music camps at various locations. In October 2023, he was invited by the Cory Brass Band to rehearse and perform with them for one week, concluding with two final concerts in Great Britain. Simon also competes successfully in numerous national and international competitions.

Simon Gabriel’s achievements as a soloist are impressive. Among others, he placed fourth at the Graubünden Youth Competition in 2016. In 2017 and 2019, he won the First Prize with Distinction at the Swiss Music Competition. At the Graubünden Youth Competitions in 2017, 2018, and 2019, he secured First Prize and the Champion title each year.

Further successes include First Prize at the Talent Competition of the Vorarlberg State Conservatory in 2019 and 2020. As the youngest participant, Simon reached the final of the SSQW 2019. He also won several prizes with the trumpet quartet MOTRE. In 2020, he passed the entrance examination for the Swiss National Youth Brass Band as the youngest candidate.

In 2021, Simon received the First Prize with Distinction at the Swiss Music Competition, as well as a prize in the U13 category at the SSQW Swiss Solo and Quartet Competition for Brass and Percussion Instruments. In 2022, he was awarded First Prize with Distinction at both the Schiers Music Competition and the SJMW Entrada. In the same year, he achieved First Prize with Distinction in the final, as well as with the trumpet ensemble MOTRE. He also secured first place at the BSEW and was crowned Graubünden Solo Champion.

The year 2023 brought further outstanding achievements, including First Prize with Distinction at Entrada and with MOTRE. At the SJMW Final in Lugano, he won First Prize, and at the SSQW in Lucerne, he achieved First Prize in the U16 category. Additionally, he received First Prize at the SJMW Final in Lugano and Third Prize with MOTRE. At the European Soloists Competition in Malmö, he was a finalist and won Third Prize, as well as the Audience Prizeand the Band Prize.

In 2024, Simon won his category at the Graubünden Solo and Ensemble Competition and was once again named Graubünden Solo Champion. In March 2024, he won First Prize in the U16 category at the Swiss Solo and Quartet Competition in Lucerne. At the Swiss Youth Music Competition 2024 Entrada, he received First Prize with Distinction as part of the duo M.E.Tr.E..