Artistic Director Christoph Müller asks Hélène Grimaud three questions: 

You are giving 3 concerts at this year's Gstaad Menuhin Festival. What do such residencies mean to you and how do they differ from individual concerts?

Hélène Grimaud: Residencies give both the artist and the audience the opportunity to delve deeper into the common journey of experiencing live music as one. It strengthens the bond we share.

BBB, the three big B's: Your recital on 11 August will include Beethoven op. 109, Brahms Fantasies and the Intermezzi and Bach-Busoni. What do these pieces have in common?

Hélène Grimaud: These pieces, as well as their composers, have a direct lineage. Bach is the foundation of all future music, and in particular the Chaconne, which is one of his most universally dramatic and transcendently moving compositions, along with his Sixth Partita. Beethoven's Opus 109 and Brahms' Opus 116 and 117 are the quintessential expressions of late German Romanticism. Both visionary and experimental.

In the chamber music concert, Konstantin Krimmel sings Silvestrov songs alongside the Brahms-Daumer songs. Silvestrov's soundscapes seem to fascinate you. Why is that?

Hélène Grimaud: Silvestrov's soundscapes are both hypnotic and deeply moving because of their refined simplicity (a reconciliation of opposites), their poetry and the transparency of their textures.

Concert on August 11, 2024 at 6.00 pm, Saanen Church

Concert on August 13, 2023 at 7.30 pm, Zweisimmen Church

Concert on August 18, 2024 at 6.00 pm, Gstaad Festival Tent

Status May 2024