Welcome to Klosters Music 2019

It is our great pleasure once again to be able to invite some of the world‘s finest musicians and artists to this magnificent Alpine region.

Inspired by the title of Schumann’s famous essay “New Paths”, we have created a superb series of concerts, a varied array of music ranging from the Baroque Era to present day.

Paris based Modigliani Quartet, one of the finest quartets in the world, and the outstanding French pianist, Adam Laloum, open Klosters Music in the magical acoustics of the St Jakob‘s Church with a programme of masterpieces by Schubert, Beethoven and Schumann.

The charismatic recorder soloist & conductor, Maurice Steger returns to Klosters  with La Cetra Barockorchestra Basel for an evening of musical fireworks. “Mr Handel’s Dinner – George Frideric Handel & Friends” is a programme inspired by musical Interludes, accompanied by lavish dinners, which took place during the long intermissions in Handel‘s opera performances in baroque London.

Superstar Cellist Steven Isserlis, captivated audiences last year with his sublime performance of Schumann‘s Cello Concerto. This year we have an opportunity to hear him in a recital with pianist Connie Shih, in a programme of Bach, Beethoven & Schumann, combined with a new work written for Steven by Thomas Adès “Lieux retrouvés”.

Atelier Bolt, proved to be a very popular venue last year. This year, Christian has created a new concept exploring his vision of “Shape & Sound”. The highly regarded Austrian composer Wolfgang-Michael Bauer and friends, together with Andrin Schütz will join Christian for an inspiring & intriguing insight into their creative worlds.

This landmark event will comprise an opening reception and a private viewing of exhibits by the Swiss Artist, Kurt Oskar Weber, introduced by Andrin Schütz.

The programme of music and conversation will include a Swiss Premiere of a new work by Wolfgang-Michael Bauer. Following the performance, cocktails will be served.

A new initiative by Klosters Music is the introduction of Jazz. Top South African Jazz Trumpeter Ian Smith and his band, Virtual Jazz Reality, will entertain us in style high up in the beautiful, magical setting of the Madrisa with a brilliant programme of virtuoso jazz arrangements.

Klosters Music will celebrate 1 August, Swiss National Day with the sensational Janoska Ensemble, who will give an early evening concert followed by a Champagne Cocktail in Atelier Bolt. “Revolution – from Bach to the Beatles”, weaves a spectacular, colourful line-up of compositions spanning the centuries with Jazz, Pop, Latin & traditional Balkan music.

We are honoured to welcome once again Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, one of Germany‘s finest orchestras, who will also be our resident orchestra this year. They will be joined by the highly acclaimed pianist Kit Armstrong, and legendary violinist Christian Tetzlaff in two programmes of Mozart, Haydn & Mendelssohn, for what promises to be two concerts of exceptional musical making. We are delighted to welcome back Christian Tetzlaff, who with his Trio, gave us a most memorable concert last year.

From Spain, we welcome the award winning Azahar Ensemble, a group of superbly talented young musicians, trained in Basel, performed in Davos and who now entertain audiences in the finest concert halls worldwide. The Azahar Ensemble, known for their informal, dynamic style of performance, bring a programme that couples the sensuous music of Spain with the sublime classicism of Mozart‘s Quintet for piano & wind, performed by Judith Jáuregui.

On the 2nd and 3rd August, two “Bach Discovery Days” will provide fresh insights into the music of one of the world‘s greatest composers.

On the 2nd August, Diego Fasolis and I Barocchisti will introduce and perform Brandenburg Concerto No 5, the A Minor Violin Concerto and the Overture in B Minor.

Later that day, an Organ Recital will be given by the brilliant young prize-winning Swiss organist, Benjamin Righetti, on the magnificent new organ in St. Jakob‘s Church.

On the 3 August, we are joined by guest lecturer, Dr. Christine Blanken from the Bach-Archiv Leipzig, and two exceptional and incomparable musicians, Christian Tetzlaff and Sir András Schiff for what should be one of the musical highlights of the year.

Christian will perform the 2nd and 3rd Sonatas and the D Minor Partita which includes the Great Chaconne, described by Menuhin as “the greatest structure for violin that exists”.

It is an honour and privilege to welcome Sir András Schiff to Klosters. Sir András, one of the greatest pianists of our time, will perform Book 1 of the Well-Tempered Clavier, an experience not to be missed.

Earlier this year, we were delighted to welcome Franziska von Arb as General Manager of Klosters Music. Franziska joined us from the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy AG where she held the position as Chief Operating Officer. Franziska brings professional experience at the highest level and extensive knowledge of the musical world. 

We welcome you most warmly to Klosters, to showcase and celebrate a fascinating, stimulating and life enhancing programme of Music & Art, through Klosters Music.

David Whelton
OBE, Hon FRAM, Hon RCM
Artistic Director Klosters Music

Program brochure Klosters Music 2019 (PDF)