In 1974, when György Sebök decided to found a music festival in a mountain village in the Goms, his vision was of an oasis of culture and music. Far removed from glamour and stardom, where stress is but a remote memory, he imagined a place of tranquillity, where performers would meet and make music together. While the scope of the festival has expanded over the years, Ernen continues to embody Sebök’s vision to this day, and remains a microcosm of charm, authenticity and the simple life. What will Ernen be for you? Sublime music performed by extraordinary musicians, hiking in the spectacular mountains, taking a literature course or a writing workshop, world-class Swiss cuisine coupled with a glass of regional Valais wine. Join us and find out!
It always takes two...
Even the finest horsehair is useless if the violin bow doesn’t touch the strings. Without it, there can be no Mozart. Nor will Beethoven be heard if nobody knows how to strike the keys at the piano. As such, an intermediary it always needed for music to breathe and inspire. To give life to a piece of music may be the creative impulse of a composer, or of a listener for whom a piece of music comes alive during a concert. This might happen when two musicians share a dialogue in a duet, whether mirroring, weaving threads, entering into conflict with or complementing the other’s part. But it always takes two.
“Togetherness”, in its many facets and as seen from unexpected perspectives, will set the tone of the 2019 summer festival in the music village, Ernen. Intimacy, artistic excellence and a degree of intensity will characterize the concerts of the Musikdorf’s 46th concert season (28 June—15 September, 2019). Our audiences will be invited to experience the inspiration, excitement and creative friction that music in its many forms belays. Indeed, the chosen theme alone will likely spur emotive reactions.
Clearly “togetherness” can be expressed in a multitude of ways. It might mean intimate duets between solo instruments and the orchestra, or an animated piece for four-handed piano. Sometimes things might even pique where one least expects them to: the music reflecting complex relationships between lovers, say, or between pupils and teachers. But we’ll be sure to give you the relevant background information there.
We hope you’ll embrace the programme’s diversity, and book your musical tête-à-tête in Ernen soon. Needless to say, you won't be alone: Brahms, Stravinsky and Debussy have already confirmed their attendance in the music village next season!
We look forward to welcoming you.