Annette Unternährer-Gfeller

Annette Unternährer-Gfeller was born in Langnau im Emmental (Switzerland). As the daughter of an organ builder, she received early instruction in piano, harpsichord, organ and fortepiano. After high school, she studied harpsichord in Zurich, earning a solo performance degree. She pursued further studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, where she initially majored in Harpsichord under Andrea Marcon, and earned a performance degree in Early Music. She went on to study organ with Jörg-Andreas Bötticher, earning a Master of Music in in Organ Performance. She also studied improvisation with Rudolf Lutz. Annette Unternährer achieved international success as an organist as a finalist at the Paul Hofhaimer Prize in Innsbruck in 2010, as the winner of the Schnitger Prize at the Grand Prix d'ECHO in Alkmaar in 2011 and as a prize winner at the 2012 Buxtehude Organ Competition in Lübeck. As an organist and harpsichordist, Annette Unternäher frequently appears in concerts of music from the 17th and 18th centuries, and is highly regarded for her spirited performances and improvisational skill. She pursues a busy career performing with choirs, orchestras or chamber ensembles, including Romantic repertoire all the way to the most works of New Music. Since 2012 Annette Unternährer-Gfeller has been the organist at the Reformed Church in Worb, Switzerland.