Much like our Earth tirelessly orbiting the sun, the story of humanity is in constant motion. There are moments when groundbreaking changes gain momentum and reshape the course of history. Take 1789, for instance, when the French bourgeoisie’s dazzling, yet brutal quest for emancipation from the reigning monarch had a lasting impact on Europe and the world. Back then, many musicians joined the movement, expressing their feelings and political views through their compositions. Some, like Méhul or Cherubini, did so overtly, while others, such as Beethoven, took a more subtle approach, infusing their art with the ideals of “freedom, equality, and fraternity” without explicitly waving the protest flag. But music can be revolutionary even when not spurred by historical events. In Fazil Say’s Trumpet Concerto, centuries-old Western musical forms come together with Oriental sounds, deeply rooted in the Turkish composer’s heritage. The result: melodies that beckon, fascinate, and inspire, bridging the gap between the Orient and the Occident.

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Revolutionen – Trans-formation III – Gstaad Festival Orchestra I

Saanen Church

The grand opening of the anniversary edition kicks off with the first of three concerts by this year’s Gstaad Conducting Academy: it offers a sneak peek into the creative process of young conductors, who, in their inaugural week, collaborate with a carefully chosen selection from the outstanding Gstaad Festival Orchestra. In a chamber orchestra setting, these accomplished conductors, who emerged victorious among approximately 200 competitors during the application phase, will delve into a varied repertoire featuring excerpts from Beethoven’s symphonies, overtures and the dazzling “Rococo Variations” by Peter Tchaikovsky. The latter will be brought to life by cellist Christopher Jepson, who has been a steadfast soloist with the Gstaad Festival Orchestra since its inception. Make sure not to miss the second part of this week on August 9th at the Saanen Church, where the captivating Menuhin’s Heritage Artist Lucienne Renaudin Vary will grace the stage with her trumpet.

Etienne Nicolas Méhul

Events

Past events

Aug 9, 2024

Revolutionen – Trans-formation III – Gstaad Festival Orchestra I · Gstaad Festival Orchestra

Aug 7, 2024

Gstaad Conducting Academy – Concert I · Gstaad Festival Orchestra

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