Media & Press · Swiss Alps Classics

"The violin is the queen of the instruments" – lyrical quotes on the violin

The Swiss Alps Classics kicks off in just one week. The motto of the sixth edition of the festival, taking place from June 9–12, is "Festival of the Violin." The violin has been a particularly fascinating instrument since its invention in the early 16th century. As a little taste of what’s to come at the 6th Swiss Alps Classics, the four violinists performing at this year's festival, BENJAMIN SCHMID, ZIYU HE, MAXIM BRILINSKY, and LUCAS STRATMANN, tell us what "their" instrument means to them. And a quote must be included from our artistic director CLEMENS HELLSBERG about his "love story" with the violin. Hellsberg, after all, was once prime violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic.

This year's festival program is available here. Tickets may be purchased via the ticket store on the website, as well as package deals with hotel accommodation.

Benjamin Schmid (June 10, 2022 / 7 pm / The Chedi Andermatt):
"As a violinist, I think the idea of a 'Violinissimo Festival' is brilliant, because the violin is the queen of instruments! No instrument can connect two notes more beautifully, no instrument allows for so much virtuosity. And after 500 years of unchanged construction, this wooden box upon which horsehair is stroked over dried gut strings still touches us to our core!"
Benjamin Schmid's violin: Antonio Stradivari, Cremona 1718, „ex Viotti, ex Rosé“ (provided by the Oesterreichische Nationalbank).

Ziyu He (June 11, 2022 / 6.30 pm / Andermatt Konzerthalle):
“For me, the violin is the most human instrument of all; it has a vibrato like a human voice. There are a thousand different ways to play the notes, unlike with a piano, for example. This is the magic of the violin. To me, it feels like an extension of my body. "
Ziyu He's violin: Andrea Guarneri, Cremona 1688 (provided by a private sponsor).

Maxim Brilinsky (June 12, 2022 / 7.30 pm / Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne):
"The violin (and the same goes for all string instruments!) is its own universe, where the prevailing natural laws are in equilibrium. Added to this is the performer who is always looking for the perfect balance between himself and the instrument, so that the two “persons” harmonize as much as possible. This quest is never over; it's a “living” thing – and that's the beauty of it, too!"
Maxim Brilinsky's violin: Jean-François Aldric, Paris 1804. The instrument is a model based on Antonio Stradivari.

Lucas Stratmann (June 12, 2022 as a member of the Swiss Alps Chamber Ensemble / 7.30 pm / Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne):
"What I love most about the violin is the timbre of the instrument. From the warm depth of the G-string to the sparkling and soaring quality one can feel while playing the E-string, it is as if you have the 4 voices of a choir right under your fingertips. It gives you infinite possibilities of sound and character that you can create. I’m also extremely grateful for the endless number of master works composed for or that highlight the instrument."
Lucas Stratmann's violin: Alberto Ferdinando Móglie, Washington in 1926.

Clemens Hellsberg (Artistic Director):
"I've had a 'love story' with the violin since I was four years old, and I'm becoming more aware of it as I get older: The number of expressive possibilities on this instrument is limitless; it also incorporates the feelings and the personality of the performer. The gradual discovery of this mysterious world means a continuous penetration into the soul of the instrument ... and, to the same extent, into the depths of one's own soul. Neither (process) is ever complete, which gives us an sense of infinity."
Clemens Hellsberg's violin: Joseph Gagliano, Neapel 1759.

UKB has been a loyal partner since the beginning of the festival

The Swiss Alps Classics wants to stress how important its sponsors are. With Urner Kantonalbank, the festival has enjoyed a strong partnership from the beginning. We are very grateful for that. UKB CEO Christoph Bugnon emphasized: “We’re pleased about the long-term partnership and the fruitful cooperation. The Urner Kantonalbank has supported the festival from the start and is delighted that the significance of the festival has only grown over the years and has an important impact on the canton of Uri. The festival consequently aligns very well with our values, which are, among other things, focused on long-term partnerships."

If you are interested in images for your editorial coverage or have an interview request, please refer to our press contact:

Inga Radel
Amadeus Events Promotion AG
Spokesperson
E-mail: presse@amadeus-world.com

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