Opening Concert – A Glimpse of Olympus
Interview with Antonello Manacorda
“War, peace, enlightenment”
Antonello Manacorda was Concertmaster of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under Claudio Abbado before embarking on his own remarkable career as a conductor. From 2010 until 2025 he was the Chief Conductor of the Kammerakademie Potsdam. He will make his debut in Klosters at the opening concert on 31 July, performing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with the Camerata Salzburg. Georg Rudiger spoke with him ahead of the event.
In the concert with the Camerata Salzburg, Lukas Sternath will be playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D minor, K. 466. What do you appreciate about this pianist from Vienna?
Lukas is one of the most fascinating musicians of the new generation: extremely talented without ever being arrogant. He is still young but at the same time very mature – and extremely thoughtful when it comes to playing together. It is a real pleasure being on stage with him.
The motto of Klosters Music 2026 is “Icons”. Why do you consider Beethoven’s 5th Symphony to be an icon in the history of music?
On the one hand, Beethoven manages to create an unforgettable motif out of just two notes and a very simple rhythm. On the other hand, Beethoven’s Symphony is making a political and philosophical statement. While moving from C minor to C major, he tells us about the main topics of his time: war, peace, enlightenment.
This is your first time at Klosters Music. What are your connections to the place?
I have never been to Klosters before, although I have visited Switzerland many times. An aunt of mine had a house in the Engadine. I went skiing there a lot, and during the summers I went for hikes. A walk in the Fex valley is a real treat for the soul, especially in summer.