The traditional Easter and New Year’s concerts at Saanen Church are a testament to how contagious the joy of making music together can be. Musicians from the Obersimmental, the Saanenland, and neighbouring Pays-d’Enhaut come together in a spirit that uplifts performers and audiences alike. Year after year, it’s striking to see how many young people are inspired to pick up an instrument or join a choir.

At the heart of it all stands a familiar figure: Michael S. Bach, the steadfast conductor of the "Orchestra degli Amici." At his side is concertmaster Simone Roggen. Within the ensemble are many familiar faces—teachers from the regional music school, local residents, and musicians from further afield, all united by their connection to the Saanenland. Each year, more young talents take the stage, bringing fresh attention to the region’s vibrant musical life.

This year’s concert opened with local singer Beatrice Villiger and her 15-year-old student, Louisa Blum from Flendruz, performing works by Antonio Vivaldi. Their duet, “Esurientes” from the "Magnificat" RV 610, was a graceful interplay: Blum’s delicate yet assured voice nestled beautifully into Villiger’s rich, resonant tone. In “Domine Deus” from "Gloria" RV 589, Villiger led the audience into the Easter programme, supported by a choir assembled at short notice and directed by her. This ensemble included many passionate young singers, bringing a stirring depth to the performance.

The Easter message came through with quiet power in Gabriel Fauré’s reflective "Pavane", and in two contemporary pieces: "Vois sur ton Chemin" from "Les Choristes" by Bruno Coulais and "I Believe" by Mark A. Miller—both performed with heartfelt conviction.

A Celebration of Joy
What these regional musicians achieve together is nothing short of inspiring. Despite the discipline and hard work required, their performances remain vibrant and full of life, especially among the youngest participants. That joy is unmistakable and radiates out to the audience.

The key to nurturing such talent likely lies in the rich musical spectrum offered by Michael Bach and his team at the local music school. The various styles and instruments spark interest and excitement in young minds. Though best known in the brass world, Bach embraces classical music with equal enthusiasm, opening doors for students to explore diverse musical paths. The result is a steady emergence of new talent throughout the region.

A Symphony of Landscapes and Emotion
It’s not just the blend of American and Czech folk melodies that makes Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, "From the New World", so captivating. It’s the emotional breadth and narrative richness—each orchestral section, from strings to percussion, contributes to a sweeping musical journey. The "Orchestra degli Amici", with its exceptional strings and outstanding winds, embraced the full romantic force of Dvořák’s vision. Michael Bach’s sensitive conducting made for an especially rewarding performance.

And so, with this luminous conclusion, Easter 2025 was ushered in—celebrated in harmony, tradition, and youthful promise.

Based on AvS | LOTTE BRENNER