Swiss Identity

Biel show fails to enthral

This content was published on May 15, 2002 The show opened with the tale of the rise and fall of the tower of Babel, which was used to symbolise Switzerland’s multi-cultural and multi-lingual diversity. But the laborious, repetitive staging of the building of the tower, which was a set at the very back of the stage, soon left the audience bored and fidgety.…

Housing blues for Schumacher

This content was published on May 15, 2002 Schumacher’s lawyer, Peter Münch, said the Formula One world champion would probably abandon his proposed move to the Appenzeller village of Wolfhalden, following failed talks on Tuesday with local officials and environmental groups. Münch said it made no sense to continue with the plans in the face of environmental opposition, which could hold up planning…

Symphony for three lakes and a country

This content was published on May 15, 2002 Fifteen thousand spectators gathered at the four sites of the exhibition to watch hundreds of actors, musicians, singers, swimmers and acrobats enact a two-hour extravaganza. Based on Greek mythology, the three-act performances – staged simultaneously at the four sites – wove in Swiss themes, languages and music, often to the confusion of the audience. The…

Culture

An eclectic Expo mix in Neuchâtel

This content was published on May 15, 2002 Against the backdrop of the lake’s still blue waters, the scene was set for a two-hour show – an odd mix of music, movement and special effects. The show aimed to mirror the Neuchâtel arteplage’s theme -“Nature and Artifice” and as such the audience were transported into another world, full of ancient mythology, singing and…

Culture

Yverdon’s God of fire

This content was published on May 15, 2002 Colourful dancers and jugglers poured on to Yverdon’s floating, smoke-filled stage, and held up a giant cardboard construction representing man’s five senses, complete with oversize mouth, nose, hand, eyes and ears. Greek mythology then took centre stage once again, with actors enacting the story of the goddess Io, whose transformation into a white heifer by…

Murten gives a Swiss flavour to the Babel tale

This content was published on May 15, 2002 The two-hour show began when an F/A 18 fighter jet screamed low over the heads of the spectators, only to drop a cloud of smoke over the Monolith a split second later. As night fell, the structure seemed to become one with its dark shadow reflected on the water – a rather sinister silhouette. Murten…

Culture

Switzerland celebrates start of national exhibition

This content was published on May 14, 2002 The exhibition, which runs for a period of six months, features four arteplages, or lakeside platforms, in Biel, Neuchâtel, Murten and Yverdon-les-Bains. All seven members of the Swiss cabinet, including the 2002 president, Kaspar Villiger, joined some 2300 guests from the worlds of politics, culture and business for Tuesday’s grand opening. “Today we are beginning…

Demographics

More junior joy?

This content was published on May 14, 2002 Last Friday, Switzerland stunned the footballing world by clinching the European under-17 title in Denmark, earning the Swiss their first ever international trophy at any level of the game. Now Swiss under-21 coach Bernard Challandes is hoping his team can take inspiration from their even younger counterparts, although no-one is yet talking of a second…

Expo.02 comes to life

This content was published on May 14, 2002 All seven members of the Swiss cabinet, including the 2002 president, Kaspar Villiger, joined some 2300 guests from the worlds of politics, culture and business for the grand opening. “Today we are beginning a great festival,” said the president of the Expo.02 steering committee, Franz Steinegger, “to which we invite not just those who live…

Wins for Federer and Schnyder

This content was published on May 14, 2002 Federer (ATP 14) came through a tough-looking first round draw at the Masters Series event in Hamburg to beat Ecuadorian clay-court specialist Nicolas Lapentti (ATP 29) in straight sets (6-1, 6-4). Despite his impressive world ranking position, the young Swiss number one has yet to really impress on clay and will be relieved to have…

Swiss Identity

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