A CALENDAR OF CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS AT THE YACHT CLUB

A New Monday Evening Routine
High summer in Gstaad traditionally brings a wealth of musical events, all sorts of ball games, horses and horsepower, books, art, signature drinks, and gourmet delights. Now, Rita Rovelli-Caltagirone and Cindy Schönrich have set sail on a new grand adventure: introducing a cultural calendar – four consecutive Mondays this August – infused with their passion for culture.

“Catering to the Valley”
Rita remarks, and she’s not just alluding to the Persian buffet Sir David Khalili presented when he inaugurated the Cultural Encounters with a fantastic talk and a giveaway of his latest book. With a carefully curated selection of distinguished speakers, Rita and Cindy offer their audience “something cultural, educational, and also… agréable”. All this is delivered with a certain lightness in the elegant setting of the Yacht Club. The doors are open to anyone in town eager to seize the opportunity to listen and learn.

Elevating Culture in the Alps
“You cannot just climb a mountain, you must learn about it first. And it helps to learn from the best,” Rita explains. “Elevating Culture in the Alps” is the sub-logo of the Encounters, and the series certainly lives up to its promise. In their brief yet uplifting talks – each lasting less than an hour – these four experts elevate our understanding, guiding us to new intellectual heights. Sir David Khalili, Mario Botta, Didier Ottinger, and matali crasset were given complete freedom to choose their topics. This results in a wonderfully diverse programme that explores art, architecture, and culture. It leaves one eager to dive deeper, to read more, learn more, and discuss more.

A Soft Start of Excellency
“We started softly,” Rita says, “just for the people who are interested.” Well, this delightfully inspiring soft start leaves us hoping for more. We feel humbled as we applaud and cheer after each encounter. What comes next? Perhaps a teaser in February, a one-off event (maybe something a bit different) – our wintery minds drifting between culture and snowflakes – and then a 2025 summer calendar of high-end Cultural Encounters at the Yacht Club? Please, do keep sailing, Rita and Cindy!

GISELA VAN BULCK

Passion and Purpose

And Peace. Sir David Khalili has been an art collector for 55 years. His collection of 35,000 pieces spans from the 4th century BC to the 20th century. But, as he tells me, he doesn’t just collect art; he collects History and Art. “The history comes with the items,” Khalili says. During his lecture, titled “The Art of Peace” – which is also the title of his new book – he elaborates on how cultural philanthropy and cultural diplomacy are vital tools in uniting humanity. He has been publishing for 40 years, with 100 publications to his name. “And I realised that is the only way forward,” he kindly explains, “the role culture can play to fuse, to act as a fuse between nations.” There’s much to ponder. Later, I acquire a signed copy of his book from the local bookshop, and as I plunge into the first pages on the terrace of a nearby bakery, who should stroll down the Promenade but Sir David himself…

A Fallen Angel Who Remembers Heaven

Didier Ottinger from the Centre Pompidou chose to delve into the work of the popular artist Edward Hopper. Ottinger aims to persuade us of how Hopper’s art addresses issues that are incredibly contemporary. He prefers to focus on subjects that resonate with current times. The graceful image of a sailboat – a recurring motif in Hopper’s work – begins the slideshow at the Yacht Club. Under the title “Les Fantômes d’Edward Hopper”, Ottinger passionately gives his interpretation of Hopper’s world. As a fitting conclusion, Didier Ottinger quotes Baudelaire’s words about Edgar Allan Poe: “A fallen angel who remembers heaven”. According to Ottinger, this phrase perfectly encapsulates Hopper’s essence. The talk ignites a lively cultural conversation within the Club. The audience ask questions and share their thoughts. As midnight approaches and we rise from the dinner table, the discussion continues – Night owls dissecting Nighthawks.

It Is Not Enough to Dream

Mario Botta’s illustrious career spans over 50 years. He shines a zenithal light on his most recent works and those still in progress during his talk, aptly titled “Today’s Architecture”. He prefers to speak of “works” rather than “projects,” as an architectural project only truly exists upon completion. Dreaming is not enough, he insists. “Architecture is the honest expression of what today’s society can give us,” Botta explains. The architect is tasked with positively interpreting the present, and this is manifested through the construction of homes, schools, theatres, museums, and other structures. This is why Mr. Botta finds it challenging to talk about “his” work – it is always closely tied to the people and places it serves. He concludes his talk with a tribute to Mr. Bach, showcasing the renderings for the Glacier 3000 project.

In a brief interview in the hallway, Mr. Botta confides in me that he has a very special relationship with the building he is creating for Mr Bach, an emotional connection. That is why the architect gave a lot of himself to this project. “Mr. Bach is incredibly positive and courageous. To build at 3000 metres amidst glaciers requires great courage.” Botta says, and he wants the people of Gstaad to know that he is “happy to be part of your life!”

Generous in Design

Industrial designer matali crasset brings the last talk of this series of Cultural Encounters – Ce qu’habiter veut dire. Beautiful images illustrate her wide range of works: from historical heritage marrying contemporary design, and a mobile museum that reaches out to communities.

Her projects also include romantic opera scenography and highly personalised living spaces. Working on community is quintessential for crasset whose projects invite to discuss and decide together, and to create new scenarios for life and greater interaction between people. “Community and design for Social Projects. Always with the same singularity”, crasset tells me with a big smile, “my social projects are also very artistic”.
Colourful and playful scenes keep dancing in my head long after the presentation.