15 \ ALTITUDE activities beyond the resort and make them accessible to everyone. It has another objective, to break down the barriers that sometimes exist between Crans Montana and the surrounding villages. The festival strives to create links and encourage collaboration between these different audiences. A varied and precise programme The Festival offers an eclectic programme that will appeal to all music lovers. From grandiose symphonic concerts to intimate recitals and open-air performances, each event is meticulously chosen to offer a cutting-edge musical experience. The great masters of classical music such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Tchaikovsky are given pride of place, performed by internationally renowned orchestras and soloists. Another highlight of the festival is the New Year’s concert, the flagship event of Crans Montana Classics for the past decade. Every year, the orchestra of La Scala inMilanmakes a special appearance for the occasion. The following day, the festival continues another of its traditions by offering a concert that is more accessible both financially and musically. It’s a multi-disciplinary show that links music, narration and illustration which is aimed at all generations. This playful and educational experience aims to introduce the very young to classical music. Despite its high standards in terms of musical quality, the festival strives to make its events affordable, so that every family can afford the luxury, so to speak, of classical music. Adult tickets are low-cost, and children up to the age of 16 are admitted free. Events such as these would not be possible without the skills of Belgian violinist and programmer Michael Guttman. This musician has had the opportunity to perform on major international stages. He has also played with prestigious orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. His talent has led him to travel the world, meeting such renowned artists as Astor Piazzolla. His varied experiences combine with his passion for the musical education of new generations. He has worked with such illustrious institutions as the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth in Brussels and the Juilliard School in New York. These two facets of his career are reflected in the soul of Crans Montana Classics. In the heart of the Valais region are the Conservatoire and theHauteÉcole deMusique de Sion, which train exceptionally talented young musicians. The Crans Montana Classics team selects their best talents to take part in the festival. The festival is proud to promote these local musicians and to encourage exchanges and contacts between artists. Master classes: a convergence of musical talent The summer master classes are designed around sharing knowledge, with the participation of internationally renowned teachers. For the fourth year running, the festival welcomes young quartets from all over the world. They will be taught by the renowned Jerusalem Quartet. It is fascinating to observe how the teachers teach the students not only musical technique, but also the intricacies of life as a professional musician. In a market saturated with talent, it is vital to stand out from the crowd, and these master classes offer young musicians the opportunity to learn from the masters. Some of the courses are open to the public free of charge. This year, the master classes will take place in the second week of August. During this session, the students will give concerts, either solo or at the final concert, where they will play alongside their teachers. Finally, in September, the festival will close with three exceptional concerts, marking the end of a definitively musical year 2023. The Crans Montana Classics Festival is much more than a simple musical gathering; it’s a total immersion in the world of art, beauty and musical expression, enriched by the grandeur of the surrounding nature. Make a note of the upcoming dates and immerse yourself in a rich and captivating musical world, where classical masterpieces come to life. Mathilde Thurre
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