25 June 2005
Dear Friends,
As the summer vacation break approaches we look back on an exceptionally busy and productive first half of the year's activities for the Foundation and forward to what promises to be an exciting series of events in the coming season.
These were the past highlights to savour:
Master Class: Beau Rivage Palace, Lausanne (March 7th)--Geoffrey Simon, Artistic Director of the Foundation, conducted a Master Class at the Beau Rivage Palace, Lausanne for Amanda Favier (violin), Marie-Stéphanie Janecek (cello) and Vanya Cohen (piano) to attend to the last details of their interpretation of Brahms Trio No 1. in B major, before their Première as the newly formed Trio Montcaud in Geneva two days later. A reception followed the event.
Concert and Reception: Mandarin Oriental Hôtel du Rhône, Geneva (March 9th)--Splendid ambience in Geneva for the eagerly awaited Première of the new Trio Montcaud (Amanda Favier (violin), Marie-Stéphanie Janecek (cello) and Vanya Cohen (piano), formed as a result of the Foundation's first Jours des Arts at the Château Montcaud, France, last autumn. Their performance was enthusiastically received by a large audience and drew critical acclaim. The subsequent reception jointly hosted by the Foundation in conjunction with Château Montcaud and the Mandarin Oriental Hôtel du Rhône was a convivial occasion attended, amongst others, by many personalities in Geneva's thriving musical life.
Graham Greene Centenary Celebration: Corseaux/Vevey (April 19th)--Marking the centenary of the birth of Graham Greene, the distinguished novelist and writer, who lived for the last years of his life in the village of Corseaux above Vevey and is buried there, the Foundation organised a commemorative ceremony, conducted by Archdeacon John Williams, at the graveside and in the village, attended by Caroline Bourget, Graham Greene's daughter, who lives locally, members of the diplomatic corps, including the British Ambassador in Switzerland, H.E. Simon Featherstone, Swiss governmental cultural officials, local dignitaries and many members of the Friends. Michael Green, Public Relations Advisor of the Anglo-Suisse Foundation gave a talk on Graham Greene's long creative career and the new «Graham Greene» Corseaux wine vintage was unveiled.
Private View of the Old Master Picture Sale and Concert: Christie's, London (April 21st)--This exceptional and well attended event was a memorable occasion and combined a private viewing of the Old Master Picture Sale commented by Dr Timothy Hunter, director of Christie's and member of the Foundation's Advisory Board, with a champagne reception and a concert featuring Marie-Stéphanie Janecek (cello) and Simon Zaoui (piano) in works by Claude Debussy and Leos Janacek, and Swiss pianist Antoine Rebstein who interpreted Johannes Brahms's Chaconne transcribed for the left hand alone, followed by Mark Milhofer (tenor) accompanied by Paul Plummer (piano) in arias by Francesco Paolo Tosti, Franz Schubert, Gaetano Donizetti, Stefano Donaudy and J. Modesto Escapa.
Cocktails: Hôtel Victoria, Glion (June 2nd)--In an exceptional setting overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva, the Foundation held a reception for members of the Friends and invited guests. Music from a jazz quartet headed by Richard McDonald set the right melodic mood for a delightful summer soirée, with warm welcome and attentive service from Hôtel Victoria owner and director Toni Mittermair and his team. The Foundation plans more events at this lovely location during the coming winter season.
Forthcoming events for your diary--provisional. Some dates (to be confirmed) are:
September 13: "Creativity at the turn of the 19th century--Caillebotte and Fabergé". Open visit to the Caillebotte exhibition. Lecture by Tatiana Fabergé, granddaughter of Carl Fabergé, the legendary Imperial Russian jeweller, on the astonishing Fabergé heritage, followed by a recital of Russian songs and a reception. L'Hermitage Foundation, Lausanne
September 29: Recital, reception, Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhône, Geneva. Sponsored by Investec Trust
October 6-9: "Jours des Arts Romantiques", Château de Montcaud, France
October 26: Richard Burton celebration dinner, Céligny, Switzerland
November 9: Concert--York University, England
December 6: Concert and dinner, Hotel Victoria, Glion, Switzerland
December 13: Reception and concert, London
As you can see, the Foundation continues to extend its activities and to benefit from the support of generous donors and sponsors. Membership is also growing at a most encouraging rate. We will be sending you renewal forms in the autumn and hope to continue to enjoy your support and good company. Please do not hesitate to recommend any of your friends for membership of our really international circle of kindred spirits and to keep in touch with update of our activities on the Foundation's website: www.anglosuisse.org.
With best wishes for the holidays,
Sincerely yours,
Heather de Haes