SALQUIN, Hedy

Hedy Salquin was born in Lucerne in 1928. Both parents were amateur musicians, and she received her first piano lessons at the age of six. Her father had recognized her exceptional musical talent early on.

In 1947, she earned her soloist diploma with distinction and subsequently won several competitions. In 1949, on a recommendation from Dinu Lipatti, she went to Paris to study piano accompaniment in his teacher Nadia Boulanger's class.

Three years later, she became the first woman to be awarded first prize with distinction in a conducting class – the profession of conductor had been strictly male until then. She also completed her studies with Nadia Boulanger with a first prize.

In 1952, after successfully completing her studies in Paris, Hedy Salquin launched an international career as a musician and conductor. She was the first Swiss woman to conduct renowned orchestras.

Alongside her conducting career, she pursued a career as a pianist, soloist, and accompanist in duos and chamber music ensembles. She also performed concerts, conducting herself from the piano. She appeared in various Swiss and European cities, in New York, and several times at the Lucerne International Music Festival.