25 October 2004
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we predicted in our last newsletter, the 2004 is proving to be the busiest and creatively most varied since the Foundation began--and there is still more to come. Planning for 2005, already in the advanced stages, shows an even wider range of activities and events in often unusual surroundings.
We are most gratified by your encouragement, active support and the level of participation at our events. All combining to help the Foundation realise its goal of assisting young professional artists in various fields to develop their careers and widen their horizons.
Looking back at our most recent events, we enjoyed superb flute and piano recitals at the Lausanne-Palace Hotel. Australian flautist Andrew Day and pianist Stephen Delaney teamed for some brilliant performances; they were followed by the young Swiss pianist Antoine Rebstein, who confirmed his exceptional talent in the little known repertoire for the solo left hand.
A beautiful midsummer evening and the shady gardens of the ancient Maison de la Vigne et du Vin, the Lausanne headquarters of the Vaudois Wine Office (OVV), who have been strong supporters of the Foundation from its inception, proved the lovely setting for a tasting of exceptional local vintages. Robert Crüll, the OVV's director, gave us some fascinating insights on the Swiss wine industry and demonstrated the ever-improving quality and variety of its products.
The Australian High Commissioner in London, Michael l'Estrange, has been a strong supporter of Australian musical development, and on September 23rd at Australia House, the Strand, «Australian Musical Connections», with international artists performing Australian compositions, and supported by the Foundation for the second time, proved to be a memorable event.
Penelope Thwaites, John Lavender, Dmytro Tkachenko, Kristian Chong, Richard Saxel, Sarah Watts and Caroline Jaya Ratnam were the featured performers in compelling interpretations of works by Grainger, Benjamin, Williamson, Schultz, Grant and Brophy.
Another exceptional setting for our most recent event on September 25th was Le Grand Chalet in Rossinière, the extraordinary home of the painter Balthus, and now the headquarters of the Balthus Foundation. More than 70 of our Friends and supporters--some coming specially from the far corners of Switzerland--were individually welcomed by the Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, widow of Balthus. "Jazz in the Afternoon" gave us music from members of the Montreux Big Band--who will be playing for us again next year--and we also enjoyed afternoon tea and an opportunity to view the wonderful chalet and current exhibition there of photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson. We are most grateful to the Countess and to the Balthus Foundation, whose President, Peter Berger, is also a member of our Advisory Board.
Our first Jours des Arts, a four-day cultural event with the theme of "From the Avignon of the Palace of the Popes to the Cremona of Stradivarius" will take place in the Château de Montcaud, near Avignon, from October 7th to 10th, with recitals, lectures and visits to this area of outstanding beauty, gastronomy and historical association, making up a rich palette of activities. There are a few places still available for this event, at the very advantageous package rate offered by Montcaud's owner and director, Rudy Baur. Those wishing to join a truly international gathering can be put in touch with him for reservations now. It promises to be an exceptional convivial and cultural occasion.
Two unusual events, both involving world-famous celebrities, are on the programme in November. On November 16th in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, the Foundation will present a specially commissioned new bust of the legendary Hollywood movie star James Mason, to his home city. James Mason, born in Huddersfield, loved Switzerland, lived for the last 20 years of his life in the commune of Corseaux, above Vevey, and is buried next to Charlie Chaplin in the nearby cemetery of Corsier. The bust, by Swiss sculptor Dennis Perret-Gentil, will be placed in the Lawrence Batley Theatre, and unveiled by the current Hollywood star, Patrick Stewart, also Huddersfield- born. A perfect Anglo-Suisse occasion.
In Zürich on November 18th, the Foundation is delighted to collaborate with Global Art Source, Zurich, in a presentation of artworks from Mark Harrington, and young Zimbabwean sculptors. This is a benefit exhibition, sponsored by Zurich Financial Services, for the Shona Foundation and Aids in Africa. We have provided two marimbas, a vibraphone and an interesting percussion ensemble generally. The musicians will perform at various intervals during this event. Time: 7.30 p.m.
The "Corseaux Connection" will continue later in the month, with an event there to mark the centenary of the birth of the celebrated novelist Graham Greene. A ceremony at the author's grave in Corseaux, attended by the British Ambassador to Switzerland, will be followed by a visit to the Graham Greene Trail in the vineyards above the village, a celebratory lunch and lecture on Greene's amazingly varied and creative life. Graham Greene's daughter, Caroline Bourget, who has lived in the area for many years, will be present, and is kindly loaning some mementos and photographs of her father for exhibition. The final date for this event will be communicated to you in due course.
Following this, on December 2nd, we return to Switzerland's sunny corner of Ticino, for our now well-established pre-Christmas event in the delightful setting of the Villa Principe Leopoldo, atop the Golden Hill of Lugano. A musical soirée features Marie-Stéphanie Janecek (cello) and Stephen Delaney (piano), and the outstanding young Bulgarian pianist Gheorghy Tcherkin. This and the reception, will be hosted by our friend and supporter, General Manager Maurice R.L. Urech, who has also kindly offered special accommodation rates for our Friends. (Details will be sent with your invitation). The many who came to Lugano last year for this event, went away with wonderful memories of the occasion.
The year ends on a high note in London on December 10th with a gala dinner with music at the private dining club of one of our Patrons, Anton Mosimann, attended by the Swiss Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Full details of coming events and personal invitations will of course be sent to you separately and we very much look forward to the pleasure of your company.
We are also delighted to welcome new members through the recommendation of our Friends.
Finally, as we look forward to a full and exciting year in 2005 and beyond, we would like to let you know that at the forthcoming Jours des Arts the Advisory Board of the Foundation will be meeting to discuss our vision of the future artistic and financial growth of our organisation. We will let you know of the Board's recommendations in the coming weeks.
With regards,
Sincerely,
Heather de Haes
Director