Fabian Müller (*1964) is one of Switzerland’s most distinguished and versatile composers. Over the years, his music has captivated international audiences, brought to life by leading conductors such as David Zinman, Andris Nelsons, and Sir Roger Norrington, and performed by celebrated soloists like Steven Isserlis, Dame Evelyn Glennie, and Antonio Meneses. His compositions have resonated on some of the world’s stages – from Carnegie Hall in New York and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg to the Berlin Philharmonie and the Tonhalle Zürich.

A defining moment in his career came with the opera EIGER, which premiered in Switzerland during the 2021/22 season. Inspired by the dramatic first ascent of the Eiger North Face, the work unfolded as a gripping musical experience that moved audiences and critics alike. It was hailed as “a Swiss masterpiece” (Luzerner Zeitung), “an exhilarating evening for all the senses” (Der Bund), and “a drama that gets under your skin” (Bieler Tagblatt).

Müller’s deep affinity for the cello – his own first instrument – runs through much of his work, particularly in pieces written for his wife, cellist Pi-Chin Chien. These include works that reflect his personal ties to Taiwan, her homeland, and a broader fascination with Asian musical traditions – as in his cello concerto “Sirimadi,” based on a Thai legend.

His music has been widely recorded, including collaborations with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, appearing on labels such as col legno, Capriccio, and Sony Classical. After initially training as a cellist, Müller soon shifted his focus to composition, studying in Zurich and the United States. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Jacob Druckman Award for Orchestral Composition, the Cultural Award of Zurich (2006), the Zollikon Art Prize (2012), and the Swiss Music Prize (2016). His film score for A Letter to A’ma by Hui-Ling Chen was awarded Best Original Music at two international independent film festivals in France (Les Rimbauds du Cinéma and SMR13, 2021). In 2024, he was nominated for the Opus Klassik as “Composer of the Year.”

Beyond composing, Müller has made a lasting mark on Swiss musical heritage. From 1991 to 2002, he led the monumental publication of the ten-volume Hanny Christen Collection, comprising over 10,000 19th-century melodies – today a cornerstone of Swiss folk music research and revival.