This year, the Sommets Musicaux festival celebrates a milestone: its 25th anniversary. Festival Director Ombretta Ravessoud shares what special surprises await the audience during this landmark edition.

“Twenty-five years – that’s something to celebrate,” says Festival Director Ombretta Ravessoud. For this silver jubilee, several elements have been reimagined. Missing this year are the usual mentorship sessions for young talents vying for the Thierry Scherz Prize and the instrument focus that has traditionally characterised each edition. Likewise, there’s no resident composer with a dedicated piece for the André Hoffmann Prize competition.

A reunion of past winners
This year’s anniversary edition takes a break from nurturing young, emerging talents. Instead, it reunites past winners of the Thierry Scherz Prize from the last decade. “These artists, who now perform in major venues, are our gift to the audience,” Ravessoud explains.

The celebrated laureates will return to Kapälli Gstaad, where their careers began, showcasing programs of their own choosing. Gone is the singular focus on a specific instrument – this year’s roster features accomplished pianists, cellists, and violinists performing selections from their repertoires.

Special Highlights: carte blanche and a musical comic journey
Artistic Director Renaud Capuçon and his brother Gautier will headline the final concert, offering a “Carte Blanche” performance alongside several laureates. Expect an eclectic and delightful program full of surprises.

Another standout event is the children’s program. On a Tuesday morning, all local public schools, as well as students from private institutions like JFK and Le Rosey, have been invited to experience “L’Odyssée de Doublecroche”. Renowned comic artist Zep, creator of the beloved character Titeuf, will perform live illustrations set to violin music by Renaud Capuçon.

“This performance offers a whimsical musical journey featuring Titeuf,” Ravessoud says with a smile, adding, “It’s not just for children – everyone is welcome. And it’s free of charge!”

Free concerts amidst ski season
The first children’s concert at Sommets Musicaux took place in 2016, initiated by Renaud Capuçon when he assumed the role of Artistic Director. He also introduced the tradition of a free Sunday morning concert.
Do these concerts always draw a crowd? Ravessoud is candid: “If it’s a sunny Sunday with great snow conditions, some people choose skiing over the concert – and that’s understandable!”

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