The Jours des Arts festival, known for its world-class musicians, stimulating lectures and sumptuous cuisine, all nestled in an idyllic setting, presented its fourth edition in September. Entitled Impressionism and Beyond, this year’s festival, perched high in the Swiss Alps in the picturesque town of Glion, was rated afterwards as the best thus far. With panoramic views of Lake Geneva from the salons and dining room of Hotel Victoria, the guests were treated to international performers and speakers representing the United States, Australia and many countries of Europe. In attendance were guests from around the world and also local members of the Friends of the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation, including the family of Dr François Rebstein, for whose untimely passing a special concert was dedicated.
While Debussy and Ravel naturally featured prominently in the recitals and discussions, a range of composers from the pre- and post-impressionist periods were also explored. Musicians included pianists Jay Gottlieb, Stephen Delaney and Antoine Rebstein (piano left hand), violinist Elizaveta Shnayder, harpist Isabelle Perrin and tenor Matthew Garrett. Antoine Rebstein is the son of the late Dr François Rebstein.
Lecturers, covering topics spanning visual art, music, architecture and history included composer Prof. Emeritus Barry Conyngham, musicologist Dr Peter Tregear, journalist Michael Green, art dealer Richard Philp and art historian Patricia Zazzali. The fine dining experience was further enhanced, not only by fine Swiss wines, but in the evenings, serenades performed by tenor Matthew Garrett and pianist Stephen Delaney.
For photographs and further information about Jours des Arts IV, as well as a review by renowned critic Bernard Jacobson, please click on the underlined date above.
Jours des Arts V, also at the Hotel Victoria, is scheduled for April 2008.
The Hotel Victoria in Glion, above Montreux
World-class musicians in concert
Enjoying the stunning scenery
Superb cuisine with serenades by Swiss Global artists
Conversation, cocktails and friends new and old
The view from Hotel Victoria in Glion
From Music Web International, 10 November 2007
http://www.musicweb-international.com/SandH/2007/Jul-Dec07/swiss_global.htm