Crans-Montana Classics is the enchantment of music and the euphoria of the peaks, a perfect symbiosis between Art and Nature.
We are happy to invite you again, without barriers, to enjoy exceptional music in an enchanting setting.
A word from our President Gérard Bagnoud
“It’s the darkest nights that bring forth the brightest stars.”
The difficulties around the world keep coming at us, though in different forms. But we still have a choice as to how to deal with them. An obstacle course can be a hindrance, but it can also be the source of new opportunities. Classical music has always weathered all types of storms…by calming the spirit. Determination, creativity and resilience are all values that we’ve had an opportunity to develop. They have enabled us to meet and introduce you to some very talented musicians.
We are very pleased to be able to welcome you again without barriers to our upcoming summer events. After the great success of the past two years, the concept of “Music on the Golf Course” is expanding, and two events await you in this mythical place. The String Quartet Master Classes led by the Jerusalem Quartet will once again allow four young groups to perfect their skills at a very high level.
Far from the elitist image that classical music continues to suffer from, we invite you to discover our program for the summer of 2022 which aims to present the greatest composers known to mankind.
All this is possible, thanks to the kind attention and backing of local authorities, patrons, friends and sponsors who faithfully support us. Our gratitude to them is immense.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours truly,
Gérard Bagnoud
A word from our musical Director Michael Guttman
Dear Friends of CMClassics,
We’ll see you again in the summer of 2022 in the magnificent setting of the Crans-Montana golf arena.
We continually strive to be musically worthy of this enchanting setting, and to that end, we invite you once again to an “enchanting” concert on August 5, which, like the two previous editions, will offer a program of operatic arias and songs as well as some of the most popular symphonic excerpts. Around the theme of “Romance”, we’ll evoke all facets of love – its sorrows as well as its most infectious joys. The evening’s main feature, the Valéik Philharmonik Orchestra will be conducted by Margaryta Grynyvetska, a brilliant young conductor who recently arrived from Ukraine and took refuge in Germany, having fled from war in her country.
For the first time this summer, we’ll be offering a second concert, “Tango”, in this same idyllic setting on August 13. This music from Argentina has become universal through the deep emotions it arouses. The craze is worldwide and keeps going strong since, thanks in particular to Astor Piazzolla, the Tango has left the Milongas of Buenos Aires and has taken over concert halls all over the world. Two Argentinean dance couples will extend the spirit of Romance that’ll reign supreme on the Golf Course during the summer of 2022.
And finally, in September, to end the season on a high note, three exceptional concerts which perfectly illustrate our desire to broaden our programming to the limits of the so-called “classical” world:
On September 10, we welcome Duo W with its unique ability of combining the sounds of the organ and the saxophone.
On the 17th, the hilarious duo of Igudesman & Joo, a virtuoso violinist and a virtuoso pianist, will combine humour and musical talent like no one else. Their show has already been acclaimed by audiences on five continents before arriving on our High Plateau.
And finally, on the 25th, Moncef Genoud on the piano will offer an evening dedicated to Jazz through his own compositions in addition to the well-loved “standards” that you’ll rediscover with great joy.
And “last but not least”, for a third time, the Jerusalem Quartet will be in residence from August 6th – 12th to lend all its experience and talent to four young quartets from all four corners of the earth!
Don’t miss the concerts and Master Classes from these experts of the most noble and challenging of art forms, the string quartet!
Once again, we are happy to offer you a unique and varied program through song, dance, tango, opera and humour and to share it with you, dear Friends!
Musically yours,
Michaël Guttman