Change was the theme—both literally and figuratively—at last week’s General Assembly of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy. Chairman of the Board, Aldo Kropf, announced his resignation, with Richard Müller named as his successor. Long-serving board member Hansueli Märki also stepped down, while CEO Lukas Wittermann presented Christoph Müller’s final festival programme. Meanwhile, Daniel Hope is preparing to step into the role of artistic director.

It felt fitting, somehow, that a gathering so focused on transition coincided with the final chapter of the festival’s recent trilogy of themes—Change. Christoph Müller, who has guided the Festival as Artistic Director since 2011, has shaped each edition with vision and boldness. Last week marked the final AGM led by Aldo Kropf as Chairman of the Board, a role he has held with steady dedication, and the last for Hansueli Märki, whose contributions to the festival have been equally invaluable.

A look back at a good year
With over 25,000 visitors across more than 60 concerts over seven weeks, audience numbers were just shy of the previous year’s record-breaking result. Still, Aldo Kropf delivered a positive review in his final annual report: “We close the year with a net profit of CHF 7,538, and all necessary provisions have been made.”  

Perhaps most significant was the successful conclusion of the search for a new Artistic Director—a process that led to the appointment of Daniel Hope. “We are truly delighted,” Kropf noted. “Daniel Hope has long-standing ties to the Saanenland, to this Festival, and to its founder Yehudi Menuhin.”

Honouring Hansueli Märki
In a moment of heartfelt appreciation, Kropf paid tribute to fellow board member Hansueli Märki, who is stepping down after years of quiet yet impactful work. Märki played a key role in many of the festival’s structural and strategic projects—from the push for a new concert hall to the founding of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy Foundation, which he continues to lead. “You’ve been a rock,” Kropf said. “I always valued our conversations—they helped me find clarity.”

Richard Müller steps in
“I’m very happy to be back,” said Richard Müller after his election to the board and his nomination as incoming Chairman. A familiar figure in the Festival’s history, Müller has been involved in nearly every facet of its operations over the past 25 years. “I thought I’d have more time for hiking after completing a successful leadership transition at Der Frutigländer,” he said with a smile. “But now I’ll just be hiking more often in Gstaad—and putting that time into the Festival.”

Looking ahead to summer
CEO Lukas Wittermann presented a sneak preview of the upcoming festival season. “It’s an honour to share Christoph’s final programme,” he said. “It’s rich with musical treasures, and early ticket sales confirm that enthusiasm is high.”  

The programme concludes the Change trilogy, which began with "Humility" during the pandemic, moved through "Transformation", and now closes with "Migration". The theme reflects how music and society are in constant dialogue. Müller’s curatorial vision has highlighted the works of composers who, often in exile, channelled their longing for home into powerful new works. The festival opens with Handel’s "Israel in Egypt"—a resonant beginning to a summer that promises to be both moving and memorable.

Based on AvS | KMA