The exceptional German pianist Luca Sestak and his trio captivated the audience at the Lauenen church with youthful energy and virtuosic flair. Playfully blending classical music with jazz and rock, their performance delighted the crowd.

Festival founder Caroline Murat warmly welcomed the many guests, including regular festival-goers and newcomers explicitly drawn to see this unique trio. Soon after, the three young musicians took to the candlelit chancel of the Lauenen church and launched into a thunderous improvisation. It became immediately apparent that this would be no ordinary concert. The mood then shifted to lighthearted and reconciliatory tones with works by Friedrich Gulda, freshly arranged by Sestak. These, too, transitioned seamlessly into powerful bass storms and wild drum crescendos.

Sestak thrilled the audience with his joyful playing and impressive virtuosity, matched effortlessly by Alexander Broschek on bass and Nicholas Stampf on drums. The trio’s chemistry was palpable, allowing them to improvise freely or perform a Quincy Jones piece they had rehearsed just an hour before the concert—a request from the festival organizers. Remarkable! The audience, captivated by the trio’s talent and charm, responded with rapturous applause.

Between pieces, Sestak charmed the audience with witty remarks, joking that he appreciated the heated church as it was good for his fingers. He expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and the honour of performing in such a beautiful, candlelit venue. Later, he joked about not bringing his skis, only realizing on the way that the concert coincided with the heart of winter.

A YouTube Sensation
Unlike many classical musicians, Luca Sestak’s journey has been unconventional. The nearly 30-year-old German discovered jazz at 11 after just two years of classical piano training. Teaching himself blues and boogie-woogie, he soon began composing his own pieces and uploading them to YouTube, where they have now been viewed over 30 million times. By 15, Sestak was performing publicly; by 20, he had played concerts across Europe. 

Now touring with his new album *Lighter Notes*, Sestak showcased many of its pieces in Lauenen, most of which he composed himself. Others were reimagined classics by Chopin or Bach, arranged specifically for his trio. Swing, jazz, classical, rock, blues, and contemporary beats blended seamlessly throughout the evening, creating a dynamic repertoire that kept the audience engaged.

One original piece, *When the Wind Turns,* began delicately, evoking the gentle caress of a summer breeze before building into a storm of sound. Sestak even coaxed unheard tones from the grand piano, exploring it from every angle. The enthralled audience tapped their feet and savoured every moment of the extraordinary concert. 

By the end, the standing ovation was long and loud. Afterwards, Sestak spent considerable time signing albums and accepting congratulations. Guests departed the enchanting evening with broad smiles, many humming along as they stepped out into the snowy Lauenen night. 

Based on AvS | Sabine Reber.