Mateo Viscarra Wilde wins the 2026 Hanzestrohm Prize

Pianist and ArtEZ Academy of Music alumnus Mateo Viscarra Wilde has won the 2026 Hanzestrohm Prize. He received the €2,000 award during the Master of Music graduation ceremony in Zwolle for his multidisciplinary final project, Bolivia in Music and Image.

Mateo Viscarra Wilde during his final of the Master of Music

Bolivian roots

In Bolivia in Music and Image, Mateo takes the audience on a journey to his roots. He combines classical and traditional Bolivian piano music with visual art. During his performance, he presents paintings of Bolivian landscapes created by his mother and inspired by the music.

As a piano teacher, Mateo introduces students to Bolivian repertoire and lesser-known composers. He also plays chamber music and works to bring Bolivian music to recitals across the Netherlands.

The jury praised the way Mateo draws on his personal and cultural background as a starting point for his work.

About the Hanzestrohm Prize

The Hanzestrohm Prize is an initiative of the Hanzestrohm Foundation. The foundation focuses on four areas: talent development, arts and culture, equal opportunities, and nature conservation and biodiversity. Its aim is to give everyone the opportunity to develop their talents, experience arts and culture, and grow as a person, while also caring for the world we pass on to future generations.

Each year, the €2,000 prize is awarded to a graduating student who demonstrates exceptional social engagement through a project, concert or performance. The jury considers themes including diversity and inclusion, vulnerable groups, equal opportunities and climate.

For the Hanzestrohm Prize, ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle nominates three candidates. The Hanzestrohm Foundation board then attends the nominees’ finals and selects the winner.