Snow and symphony in St.Moritz
Switzerland's highest classical music festival is underway in the mountain resort of St.Moritz, with guests including international musicians at the peaks of their careers.
The “Snow and Symphony” festival is focused on six gala concerts in luxury hotels in St.Moritz and the neighbouring villages of Sils and Pontresina. These take place at a mere 1,800 metres above sea level.
But traditionally there are performances where the highest notes are literally guaranteed. For example, less conventional concert venues are the summit stations of Corviglia and Corvatsch, which at an altitude of over 3,000 metres can only be reached by cable car.
Founded five years ago by the pianist Peter Aronsky – who is still artistic director – the festival attracts high-calibre musicians such as the soprano Vesselina Kasarova, pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy and the conductor Gustav Kuhn.
Kasarova will sing excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen for the first time – she has never played the role on stage. Another first is the première of an orchestral piece commissioned by “Snow and Symphony” from Swiss composer Martin Derungs.
The festival ends on March 24.
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