The Most Intimate Duo in Classical Music: The Jussen Brothers
Lucas and his younger brother Arthur — just three and a half years apart — are nothing short of a gift to the world of classical music. They combine the charisma of pop stars with the depth and finesse of true artistry. One picture, captured by renowned artist Marco Borggreve, has become iconic: the brothers, dressed simply in black turtlenecks, seated at the piano. Stylish, serene — and utterly in sync.Together, they form something more than a duo: a single musical being with two heads and four hands. Their connection is so profound, their playing so seamlessly intertwined, it’s as if the music itself breathes through one soul. You’d be hard-pressed to slide even a sheet of music between their notes — that’s how perfectly aligned they are. On August 16, the Jussen Brothers return to our Festival for the third time, joining forces with the Gstaad Festival Orchestra under the baton of Jaap van Zweden. The programme: Mendelssohn’s sparkling Concerto for 2 Pianos — a piece that dances with charm and elegance. True to Mendelssohn’s style, what seems effortless on the surface hides a world of refinement and emotional depth. It’s pure soul-soothing beauty: melodies that glide through rich, glowing harmonies. And here’s a fun fact: Every time they perform, the brothers flip a coin to decide who plays primo and who plays secondo. “It keeps the music fresh for us — otherwise, it would get boring,” they say with a smile.
SIGNUM Saxophone Quartet – Nothing Short of Extraordinary
The SIGNUM Saxophone Quartet is more than a musical ensemble — it’s a phenomenon. Four exceptional musicians, friends since their youth, constantly redefining what a quartet can be. Classical precision meets the raw energy of rock — virtuosic, passionate, and refreshingly unconventional.From the very first note, Blaž Kemperle, Jacopo Taddei, Alan Lužar, and David Brand ignite the stage with magnetic charisma, boundless curiosity, and a fearless blend of styles. Whether performing original works or imaginative arrangements of orchestral masterpieces, these sound visionaries shatter genre boundaries with ease. Their love for music knows no limits, their chemistry is unmatched, and their joy in playing is downright infectious. Words can only go so far — SIGNUM must be experienced live. On August 7, the historic Rougemont Church becomes more than just a venue; it transforms into a resonant partner, amplifying every rhythmic surge, every glowing nuance of their sound. Whether channeling the earthy pulse of Bernstein or reimagining Dvořák’s American flair, the quartet’s music erupts into dazzling sonic fireworks within the church’s natural acoustics. It’s as if this serene alpine setting has been waiting just for them — a quiet space flooded with light, now filled with the full force of SIGNUM’s brilliance. This is more than a concert: it’s music you don’t just hear, but feel in your bones.
Artistic Director Christoph Müller’s Insider Tip
“Nostalgie française”: From her very first appearances as a “Menuhin’s Heritage Artist” to her upcoming final concert in this celebrated series, BOMSORI has journeyed from a rising talent to an international violin sensation. Today, she is acclaimed as a soloist with the world’s leading orchestras across all continents. On July 21, she returns alongside the poetic pianist Kit Armstrong for a deeply evocative and sensuous programme featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Wieniawski, Schumann and Debussy. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of late 19th-century France, the music echoes the charm of French opera, weaves in folk melodies, and bathes in nostalgic reverie. “Immigrants”: In his powerful trio for piano, cello and double bass – composed on commission by Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy – Fazıl Say gives voice to the emotional landscape of migration: the pain and despair of leaving home, but also the hope and resilience found in new beginnings. This is music rooted in the present, a reflection of our time, and for Fazıl Say, a call for peace and inner calm. Across three performances on July 20, 22, and 24, he brings us messages of understanding, bridging cultures and connecting people from all walks of life.Welcome to Gstaad, Fazıl Say!
ABOVE THE CLOUDS – EXPERIENCE GSTAAD AT 1,500 METRES
Under the banner of “Mountain Spirit”, you’re invited to a journey through unexpected soundscapes and genres – from sun-drenched afternoons to starlit evenings, optionally paired with exquisite gourmet moments. Tuesday, July 22 sets the tone with a musical encounter between East and West: flautist Aslıhan And and the world-renowned pianist Fazıl Say conjure the spirit of the Bosphorus amidst Alpine pastures – an enchanting dialogue of cultures and sound. Monday, July 28 brings a touch of a cappella magic to the mountaintop: the legendary King’s Singers embark on a vibrant musical treasure hunt across South America – brilliant, witty and utterly unforgettable.
JULY 26 – ELECTRO UNDER THE STARS WITH AWEN LIVE
Ready to dance the night away above the clouds? Join us for a high-altitude electronic music night with AWEN Live. With her decks, piano and soulful vocals, the charismatic artist creates a breathtaking open-air club atmosphere – and unveils tracks from her upcoming album, “Revolution”, in an exclusive live premiere (July 26).
the Gstaad Concert Hall
The Vision for the Gstaad Concert Hall Gains Momentum and Public Support.
A world-class concert hall with 1,200 seats – designed with state-of-the-art acoustics and modern architecture – is set to replace the current Gstaad Festival Tent and reinforce Gstaad’s position as a cultural hotspot.
Closely linked to this vision is a new multi-purpose venue that will host sports and events all year round. A major milestone on the path to realisation came on April 4, 2025, when residents of the Saanen municipality overwhelmingly approved funding for the planning phase of the sports and event hall. A clear message: the community stands behind the project and its ambitious goals.
Our Mission Menuhin
As part of the recently launched "Mission Menuhin“ initiative, Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy has embraced a profound commitment to sustainability. To achieve this goal, we have defined measures that contribute to gradually reducing our CO2 emissions and raising awareness among our audience, team, and partners about responsible resource management. Some of these measures have already been implemented, such as the concert series “Music for the Planet”. Many more will follow, both during and around the Festival. Would you like to join us on this journey? Visit “Mission Menuhin” to keep up to date about new measures, projects, and progress.
gstaad academy
It is with the idea of perpetuating its commitment to the next generation that Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy created the Gstaad Academy in 2008: a structure in its own right to support an increasingly rich academic offer. At the Gstaad Academy we offer the complete range of master courses addressed to young professionals, as well as all the courses which are aimed at amateur orchestra musicians of all ages.
YEHUDI MENUHIN
Lord Menuhin, the founder of the Gstaad classical music festival bearing his name, is still remembered as a world famous violin child prodigy, conductor and humanist. His remarkable humanity, his multi-faceted artistic gifts and his perpetual curiosity were the hallmarks of his creative endeavours. It was in 1957 that this honorary resident of Saanen founded the legendary festival in the Saanenland. The promotion of young talent was just as important to him as playing music amongst friends.
