Arts Global

As a further example of its commitment to foster emerging talent, the Foundation recently announced the formation of the Swiss Global Virtuoso Orchestra (SGVO). The Orchestra, based in Switzerland but comprised of international young professionals, will play a significant role in the activities of the Foundation, throughout Switzerland and globally. The ensemble is led by the Foundation's Artistic Advisor, Wilson Hermanto (pictured right).

Check back soon for the 2011 concert schedule in Switzerland!  For additional details about SGVO, click here.

The Foundation hosted a private musical event in New York in late October featuring the Jerusalem Quartet and famed Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly d'Alba. Both the Jerusalem Quartet and Ms d'Alba recently received loans of prized musical instruments from the Foundation -- a rare Grancino cello (dated 1700) was loaned to the Quartet last year for concerts in London, and the violin St John (of The Evangelists) went to Ms d'Alba for her latest recording. Australian-American piano sensation David Fung was a surprise guest, playing musical interludes between the headlined artists. Mr Fung is the Foundation's newest Young Artist.

The venue for the concert was the Library at the House of the Redeemer (pictured center), a serene and acoustically warm environment ideal for meditation, contemplation and music!

Please click the underlined date for additional information, including photos!

In anticipation of Wednesday’s concert, and to discuss future plans for continuing and expanding the Foundation’s global reach of artist support, top Swiss Global executives held a summit meeting on Tuesday 26 October at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York. The gathering included Foundation Director Heather de Haes, Artistic Director Geoffrey Simon, the new Artistic Advisor Wilson Hermanto, as well as Barbara Davidson, lead representative from Swiss Global’s fundraising department. Also present were several members of the American Advisory Board, including Jonathon Moore, Jeffrey Gusman and David Cannata.

Swiss Global’s most recent collaboration with the Playhouse Project was deemed a remarkable success by the overwhelming number of participants and appreciative audience. Each autumn for three years running, Foundation Artistic Director Geoffrey Simon leads a Workshop & Performance in East Hampton, NY, where musicians from the region are invited to participate in a two-day rehearsal period followed by an evening concert. Thanks to the enthusiasm of several local arts groups, including the Choral Society of the Hamptons and the Peconic Youth Orchestra, attendance this year was at a record high. Of particular significance this season was the premiere of a newly commissioned work by Roger Ames (pictured right).

Click the underlined date for additional information, including the programme as well as photos! To read the review in the East Hampton Star newspaper, click here.

On Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28, the Playhouse Project, in association with Swiss Global, hosted the 6th Annual Master Class at The Playhouse, located in the heart of East Hampton, New York. The classes, open to middle school and high school students on the South Fork of Long Island took place under the baton of distinguished conductor and Swiss Global Artistic Director Geoffrey Simon. Australian guitarist Simon Powis (pictured right) performed for the audience at the close of each day.

Please click the underlined date for further information, as well as photos from last year’s Master Class!