The Space Between the Notes - XIX

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As colourful as the animal world, so this edition of Cocktail for the Muses. There is no place as wild, diverse, and exciting as the imagination of a child – except perhaps nature itself – and from this, Camille Saint-Saëns drew the inspiration for his ferine Carnival.
On 19 March, things will get loud and colourful in Casino Berne’s big hall. Saint-Saëns' "Carnival of the Animals" – one of classical music’s most famous works, especially loved by children – will be performed in a unique way.

Lions will prowl, elephants will rumble, birds will chirp, and a streak of tigers and other cats will turn Berne’s classical music stage into a jungle. An experience for the whole family!
Do you love to dress up in costume? Then come long wearing your lion's mane, swan neck or flamingo feathers – it’s high time we celebrated carnival!

For this edition of my "Cocktail for the Muses”, I have put together a chamber ensemble with some of Berne’s most distinguished musicians. They will be musically supported by the young string players of Berne’s Music Conservatory.
Simon Jäggi, singer of the Bernese band Kummerbuben and curator of the Natural History Museum of Berne, has written the evening’s narrative. Actor Dominique Jann will play the lead role.

Music by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed by Violins:
Gwendolyn Masin and Droujelub Yanakiew
Viola: Anna Spina
Cello: Eva Lüthi
Double bass: Matteo Burci
Flute (also piccolo): Livia Gucanin
Clarinet: Gabor Horváth
Glass harmonica: Wanja Haldemann
Xylophone: Oliver Schär
Pianos: Vera Kooper und Igor Andreev
Drama (the father): Dominique Jann
Text: Simon Jäggi
Music Conservatory of Berne:
«Tigerbande» directed by Clíodhna Ní Aodáin and Fraynni Rui.
«Moving Strings» directed by Daniela Ianos and Simone Redmund.

Carnival of the Animals – Family Concert

Gwendolyn's Bridge Club – Family

On 18 February 2022, the first Gwendolyn's Bridge Club (GBC) event of the year took place at Villa Stucki, Berne. Music by Brahms and Mendelssohn formed part of the evening’s programme, performed by master students from the Zurich University of the Arts. GBC’s President, Susan Thieme, who moderated the soirée, walked us through diverse perspectives surrounding the "family" theme, which is also the theme of GAIA Music Festival 2022.
After a reception accompanied by music, conversation, and sparkling wine, we were treated to a three-course vegetarian meal composed of regional, organic ingredients by the chefs of "Matchbox".
The event culminated in an auction of art by Bernese artist Christoph N. Fuhrer, as well as selected wines from Casa de Vinos Argentinos.

We look forward to welcoming you to our next gathering on Thursday, 7 April 2022!

Yours,
Gwendolyn

Photo: Skye Worster

Photos: Luis Gautschi