25 April 2006
Dear Friends and Supporters,
At the end of last year, we predicted that 2006 would in all likelihood, be the most active and productive in the Foundation's history. With the year's programming now virtually completed, this is proving to be the case, and we have an exceptional series of events of high artistic standard and on an international scale, to look forward to in the coming months.
We recently began the year in style with a cocktail reception and musical soiree in the delightfully intimate setting of the Hotel Victoria, Glion, Switzerland, now becoming a preferred locale for our events. The ambience was warmly convivial and the music, from the talented Swiss Trio Nota Bene and Anglo-Swiss singers, soprano Elisabeth Bailey and baritone David Borloz demonstrated great artistry. An evening to remember.
On April 26th, we return to the splendour of Christie's Great Rooms, in St James's London, for a Musical Soirée, presented by the Foundation in association with Christie's and the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain, and in the presence of the Swiss Ambassador to the United Kingdom, H.E. Alexis P. Lautenberg. The concert, preceded by an introductory tour by Dr Tim Hunter, a Director of Christie's and member of our Advisory Board, of the old master pictures to be auctioned two days later, marks the British debut of the rapidly developing Geneva-based Quatuor Terpsycordes. Lending stylistic variety, words and music, tenor Mark Millhofer teams with harpist Isabelle Perrin in the second half of the musical programme. Please note that Christie's will be pleased to send personal invitations for this event directly to any of our Swiss members wishing to attend. They should contact our secretariat for this as soon as possible.
On May 10th, Ambassador and Mrs Lautenberg will be hosting a gala concert and dinner in their London residence for the benefit of the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain. The internationally acclaimed American violin virtuoso Joshua Bell will perform works by Schubert and the Foundation will present the young Lausanne cellist, Marie-Stéphanie Janecek, already well-known to the Friends of the ASAF, in music by Fauré and Popper. She will also join Joshua Bell in a movement of a Beethoven trio. Proceeds from the evening will go towards funding the Philharmonia's Swiss tour later this year, and to the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain.
On May 12th, at the Playhouse, in East Hampton, New York, our Artistic Director Geoffrey Simon will give a master class to public high school students, following which the Foundation will sponsor a short recital by the talented 18-year-old Korean violinist Hahn-Bin, who in January was the recipient of our special prize at the Young Concert Artists finals in New York.
The annual Red Cross Ball takes place on June 16th at the Mansion House, London, and the Foundation, in co-operation with the Swiss Embassy in London and the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain, will provide four Alpenhorn players from Ticino, who among other things willl summon guests to the event with a breath of fresh Alpine airs.
On June 21st we will hold our annual Summer garden party at the Beau Rivage Hotel, Lausanne. A separate invitation will be sent to you for this very special occasion, always a seasonal high spot.
Geoffrey Simon and Hahn-Bin will be appearing in performances, recitals and master classes sponsored by the Foundation, with the Northwest Mahler Festival Orchestra at Meany Auditorium, in Seattle, Washington, during July.
On September 7th, the idyllic location of the Hotel Victoria, overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva, will be the setting for our Autumn Cocktail and Musical Soiree. An invitation will be sent to you in due course.
In the glory of autumnal arrival in one of the loveliest regions of France, we return to the Château de Montcaud from October 5 to 8, for the third edition of our series of Jours des Arts, a heady mix of recitals, talks and lecture demonstration--and exceptional cuisine--all around this year's theme of Impressionism in Music and Art. Early booking is advised for this event, directly with the hotel: montcaud@relaischateaux.com.
The autumn/winter season will be exceptionally busy overall and with some dates still to be confirmed, communicated to you in detail in our next newsletter. Highlights to look forward to, will include, in October the second Investec sponsored event in Geneva, and in London and Switzerland, an illustrated lecture by our public relations advisor, Michael Green, and accompanying musical recital, on the fascinating theme of The Genesis of Frankenstein--the Shelleys and Byron on Lake Geneva.
The publication of Michael Green's new book on the amazing number of celebrities who have lived in Switzerland over the centuries and who have their graves in the country, will be marked by a gala event in London in November. In December, we will end the year in sumptuous style by returning after a year's absence to the Villa Principe Leopoldo, Lugano, for a seasonal cocktail reception and concert. Full details in due course.
As you will have noted, the Foundation continues its steady progress and to make its presence felt ever more strongly internationally. Organising memorable events in exceptional surroundings. Earning new friends, supporters and sponsors. Extending its mission of discovering and nurturing outstanding young artistic talent. We thank you for your continuing support and look forward to the pleasure of your company soon.
Happy Easter!
With best regards,
Heather de Haes