10 May 2006
Hosted by HE The Ambassador and Mrs Alexis P. Lautenberg, a Gala Concert and Dinner was held for the benefit of the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain.
Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, accompanied by Jeremy Denk, performed works by Schubert, delighting the capacity audience. In keeping with the Swiss theme for the evening, the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation presented the young Swiss cellist Marie-Stéphanie Janecek, well known to the Foundation's Friends, playing works by Fauré and Popper. She was accompanied by another Foundation artist, Ouri Bronchti.
To complete the programme, Mr Bell, Ms Janecek and Mr Denk combined for an unforgettable performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's Trio Op.11.
The proceeds from the evening helped support the Philharmonia Orchestra's tour to Zurich later in the year as well as the ongoing work of the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain, promoting young Swiss artistic talent in the UK.
Contributions were £150 per person attending (which figure included a voluntary donation of £110).
L-R: Michael Green, Dr and Mrs Paul Janecek | L-R: Marie-Stéphanie Janecek Joshua Bell, Jeremy Denk |