Marlen Malaev
NEWS
Zurich Youth Classical - Competition 2026
Zurich Youth Classical - Competition 2026
Zurich Youth Classical - Competition 2026
1st Prize and qualification for the Final
Anamika Mathuvarman
1st Prize and qualification for the Final
Eléonore Lepoittevin
Stufentest 2026
Stufentest 2026
Stufentest 2026
On January 25, 2026, 25 students from my class took part in the level assessment. All of them passed successfully.
Five students completed the assessment with distinction: Anamika Mathuvarman, Ayana Geibel, Eléonore Lepoittevin, Gabriele Cao and Marija Matan.
Цюрихском музыкальном конкурсе 2025
Zürcher Musikwettbewerb 2025
Zürcher Music Competition 2025
1st Prize, 60/60 points and EPTA Special Prize: Anamika Mathuvarman, 8
1st Prize, 60/60 points and EPTA Special Prize: Gabriele Cao, 6
Цюрихском музыкальном конкурсе 2025
Zürcher Musikwettbewerb 2025
Zürcher Music Competition 2025
Eléonore Lepoittevin achieved 53/60 points.
In the piano category up to the 2015 age group, a total of 26 children aged 6 to 10 participated. The jury awarded three first prizes, one second prize and one third prize.

PIANIST
Appearing on renowned stages such as the Berlin Philharmonie and the Liederhalle Stuttgart, Marlen Malaev combines tonal depth with passionate expressiveness. As soloist, chamber musician, jury member of piano competitions, and sought-after partner at representative events, he captivates audiences and critics alike. His repertoire ranges from Baroque to contemporary works, with a particular focus on Romantic piano literature.
Learn more about his artistic milestones, formative concert experiences, and musical profile under “More”.
PIANO EDUCATOR
“Learning to sing with the fingers” describes the essence of his pedagogical work. The teaching is addressed to children, young people and adults and combines sound imagination, technique and body awareness into a holistic learning process. Individual support, careful development of talent and responsible competition preparation are just as central as the joy of music.
Under “More” you can learn more about the teaching concept, support, online lessons and the collaborative work with parents and students.
ENSEMBLES

Brüder Malaev
The Malaev brothers from Berlin, David on the violin and Marlen on the piano, stand for passionate ensemble playing, tonal depth and captivating virtuosity. As brothers they are connected not only by an exceptional musical education but also by a shared artistic language that immediately touches the audience.
Both were awarded numerous prizes at an early age and received their education at renowned music universities in Germany. Today they appear both as soloists and together on national and international concert stages.
The press has praised their ensemble playing as devoted and marked by brilliant expressive power. Their artistic profile is characterized by intensity, refined coordination and a natural stage presence.
Their program unites works from the baroque, classical, romantic as well as late romantic and early modern repertoire and includes compositions by Antonio Vivaldi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Niccolò Paganini, Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, Bedřich Smetana, Edvard Grieg, Max Bruch, César Franck, Camille Saint Saëns, Pablo de Sarasate, Maurice Ravel, Ernest Bloch and Fritz Kreisler.
Whether at official state receptions, high-level political events and state visits, in the concert hall, at festivals or at special private occasions: the Malaev brothers create musical evenings that move, connect and remain memorable.
A selection of audio recordings can be found on Spotify under “Selection of Pieces” in the Audio section further down on our homepage. Video material is also available via our YouTube channel in the Media section.

Brüder Malaev und Angela Sarah Pape
The trio with Angela Sarah Pape brings together voice, violin and piano in an expressive and versatile ensemble. With refined ensemble playing, musical clarity and a natural stage presence, the three musicians create programs that touch the audience while offering a rich stylistic variety. All members have many years of concert experience in Germany and abroad. In addition to private concert formats, the ensemble regularly performs at representative occasions such as state receptions.
The repertoire ranges from Classical and Romantic works to selected pieces of popular music and is individually arranged according to the occasion. In this way programs are created that make their effect both in the concert hall and in a festive setting.
As part of the cultural program of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, a special klezmer program was developed, which the ensemble has successfully performed for four years also as a klezmer trio. This stylistic expansion highlights the artistic openness of the trio. New programs are studied with dedication and in several languages, because music connects people. In addition to the trio formation, the program can also be booked as a duo for voice and piano and is suitable for concerts, receptions, state occasions and private events. Whether at a festival, an official state ceremony or a private celebration, the trio creates musical moments that connect people and remain memorable.
An audio sample can be found on Spotify under “Selection of Pieces” in the Audio section further down on our homepage. Video material is also available via our YouTube channel in the Media section.
AUDIO
Dear Mom,
This album is dedicated to you.
In 2021, shortly before you passed away, I asked you to come to my place so I could play some music for you. You sat on a chair with a cup of tea in your hand. Among other pieces, I played “Pictures at an Exhibition” for you. It was the last piece I ever played for you.
When the last note faded away, I noticed your eyes were moist. Your voice trembled as you said how deeply the music had moved you. You didn't need many words. Everything was in your gaze.
I looked at you and said quietly that there had been a few wrong notes. Perhaps to make the moment easier. Perhaps to hide my own emotion. Because your words and your manner also touched me deeply. I felt my eyes fill with tears and my voice break. I didn't want you to notice.
I just thanked you. Much remained unsaid. There was so much more I wanted to say to you. Above all, in hindsight, I wanted to hug you and thank you for everything. For your patience. For your warmth. For your trust. For the way you supported me in music and in life.
You weren't a musician in the professional sense. But you embodied what true support means: acting with empathy, strengthening with love, trusting with patience. Much of what I pass on today in music and education has its roots in what you exemplified for me.
I didn't hug you back then. But I hope you felt what I wanted to say.
This recording is for you.
There is something of you in every note.
