Xavier Dayer

28.03.1972

Born in Geneva. He studied composition under Eric Gaudibert before enrolling on a course by Tristan Murail and Brian Ferneyhough in Paris ('Cursus annuel de Composition et d'Informatique musicale de l'IRCAM' 1996-1997, 'Session de Composition de la Fondation Royaumont' 1998). - In 1985 he was a finalist in the young composers competition organised by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. In the same year he was awarded a prize by the Geneva City Council and received his concert diploma for classical guitar (under Matthias Spaeter) from Freiburg Conservatory. In 1996 / 97 he received a scholarship from the Patino Foundation and the city of Geneva, which enabled him to use the atelier at the 'Cité Internationale des Arts' in Paris. - In 1998 He was prize winner of the competition for composition 'A cappella' organised by the city of Bochum, Germany, he also received the prize of the Marescotti Foundation in Geneva. In the same year his work for choir and instrumental ensemble, 'Hommage à François Villon', was premiered by the 'Ensemble Contrechamps' at the 'Archipel de Genève' festival. - In 1999 and 2000 he was granted a scholarship for young artists awarded by the city of Geneva. - On the 1st of September 1999 his chamber opera 'Le Marin' (with text from Fernando Pessoa) was premiered at the Festival Amadeus in Meinier, Geneva, since then his music has been intimately associated with the work of the Portuguese poet. In January 2000 he received the prize from the Bügi - Willert Foundation, presented to him by Heinz Holliger. In September 2000 he was awarded the FEMS prize of the Sandoz Foundation. - He teaches orchestration and counterpoint at the Geneva and Neuenburg conservatories. - His music is published by Edition Papillion. - - (www.editionspapillon.ch)

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