Get ready for an extraordinary musical extravaganza as the 18th edition of the Gstaad New Year Music Festival unfolds from 27 December, 2023, to 9 January, 2024. Brace yourself for an AMAZING experience that promises to surpass all expectations!

The festival’s line-up is an exciting blend of ensembles, exceptional voices, and outstanding soloists, ensuring a program that’s as eclectic as it is spellbinding. Renowned for its artistic intimacy, the Gstaad New Year Music Festival offers a unique experience that grand opera houses can’t match. Led by Princess Caroline Murat and her dedicated team, the festival boasts a rich history, promising a program with the most prestigious artists.

Highlights to Anticipate
Kicking off on 27 December, the festival welcomes the sensational Chilean tenor Jonathan Tetelman, touted as the new Pavarotti. Freshly signed to Deutsche Grammophon, Tetelman will grace us with a repertoire spanning classical and popular tunes, setting the stage for a stellar fortnight.

As the festival unfolds, expect a parade of starts each day, including the flamboyant Almazis-lakovos Pappas ensemble on 29 December, celebrating the 230th anniversary of Goldoni’s death. The imperial soprano Sonia Yoncheva takes the stage on 30 December, followed by the incredible sopranista Samuel Marino, treating us to a free concert in Rougemont on 1 January.

The program continues with a dazzling array of talent: Lisette Oropesa and Ludovic Tézier on 2 January, pianist Anna Fedorova on 3 January, and the mesmerising Fatma Said on 5 January. Brace yourselves for Erwin Schrott’s departure from Don Giovanni to enchant us with Argentine tangos on 6 January, while tenor Roberto Alagna is once more set to captivate us on 7 January, possibly breaking last year’s encore record of eight!

Closing with a flourish, the festival presents jazz maestro Jacky Terrasson in a trio formation on 9 January.

New Feature: Spotlight on Young Talent
This year introduces 4 pm concerts showcasing emerging artists, including laureates from the Gauthier Capuçon Foundation, such as the talented Kim Bernard and winners of the Long-Thibaud competition.

Start organising for a festive season filled with musical magic! Spoiled for choice, are we with the enchanting world of the Gstaad New Year Music Festival. See the full program on www.gstaadnewyearmusicfestival.ch

JEANETTE WICHMANN