In Montreux, 80 Septembers of Music

At the helm of the Musical September Since 2019, pianist and conductor Mischa Damev has thoroughly revitalized this must-see music event. «For this 80th^e »For this edition, we wanted a program that remained true to the festival’s DNA: artistic excellence, a strong commitment to youth, and a genuine spirit of innovation.".

Made in Montreux

An integral part of the cultural heritage and one of the oldest classical music festivals in Switzerland, the Septembre Musical was founded in 1946 out of a desire to create a festival there in the postwar period. The choice of Montreux seemed obvious: «It is one of Switzerland’s leading cities in terms of musical tradition. Several notable composers wrote some of their greatest works there, and many artists sought refuge there. It is a truly legendary place that, since the 19th^e »century, has attracted the greatest artists to stay and perform there,« says Mischa Damev. The region’s rich musical heritage, along with its world-renowned festivals, naturally led to Montreux joining the network of some 400 »UNESCO Creative Cities« in November 2023, in the »music” category.

 The highlight of this celebration will take place on September 15 at the Stravinski Auditorium, an evening featuring three works composed in Montreux and on the shores of Lake Geneva: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (1878), the The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky (1911–1913), and Smoke on the Water (1972) by Deep Purple, in a brand-new orchestration. The Les Siècles orchestra, conducted by Susanna Mälkki, will showcase the virtuosity of Moldovan violinist Alexandra Conunova. And this is no coincidence. «The The Rite of Spring was premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in 1913, and Les Siècles has been in residence there since 2022. In this concert, the orchestra will perform the original version of the Coronation, », as it might have been heard in 1913," says Mischa Damev.

This program will complement Ara Malikian’s highly anticipated Montreux Show, dedicated to the city. Accompanied by his Cuban musicians, the Lebanese violinist and composer will perform elaborate compositions paying homage to the music of Quincy Jones, as well as works by Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and even… Freddie Mercury. 

Classic & Lab

As Mischa Damev points out: «Beyond the quality of the performances, it’s all about innovation.» The closure of the prestigious Stravinski Auditorium in 2024–2025 has inevitably stimulated this creative spirit and the desire for unique collaborations. It has allowed the team to experiment with and present immersive concerts and more ambitious formats, combining the great classical repertoire with contemporary works and hybrid projects—classical, opera, jazz, rock, metal, and other genres. Over the past two editions, the festival has successfully expanded into other venues across the region and cultivated its uniqueness through these off-site events.

It was a risky move, but the quality and originality of the Classic & Lab format were «unanimously praised by a rapidly growing audience, particularly among young people.» «We found that 30 % of the audience was between the ages of 18 and 30,» explains Mischa Damev. “Many embrace this need for innovation; there’s a strong desire to discover new things and be surprised. So we should never underestimate the audience’s receptiveness; they’re more open to originality than we might think.”.

The continuation of this format and the return to the Stravinski Auditorium mark a new chapter in the festival’s history. Music will return to its normal rhythm with a broader reach, spanning five iconic venues along the Riviera, with the Auditorium serving as its beating heart. The director is delighted. «We’re fortunate to have some truly beautiful castles and palaces in the region, as well as the second-largest concert hall in Switzerland, which boasts some of the best acoustics in Europe.» With a selection of top-tier performers representing diverse artistic styles who bring out the full range of classical music, Mischa Damev is breathing new life into the event. «Above all, these are exceptional artists who have something to say in a very personal way. The goal is to give the audience an unforgettable experience.».

While the first performance will take place at the Le Reflet theater in Vevey, featuring Gautier Capuçon and his Capucelli ensemble—comprising six young cellists who are graduates of his master class—other distinguished musicians are also expected to perform. Marina Viotti, a leading figure in both opera and metal, brings her penchant for experimentation with her project Melankhôlia—a blend of John Dowland and Metallica—which will be presented for the first time at the Caux Palace. The unusual duo formed by Avi Avital on the mandolin and Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova will take the stage at the Château de Chillon in Veytaux. Other must-see acts at this year’s festival include pianists Kirill Gerstein and Brad Mehldau, who will perform at the Montreux Palace, offering a free-flowing and spellbinding dialogue between two virtuosos—«a unique »battle« between classical and jazz,» enthuses the director. “This will be a first in Switzerland, as they’ve only performed it in the U.S. so far.” 

Cultural Immersion

The festival continues to foster dialogue between here and elsewhere, remaining true to its tradition of openness to other cultures. Following Russia in 2019, France, Switzerland, and Austria, it is now Azerbaijan’s turn. The public is invited to immerse themselves in this millennia-old cultural world: folk dances, traditional songs (mughams), as well as symphonic and operatic repertoires and other unique sounds will set the tone for the evening of September 14. It will be, in a sense, «a festival within a festival,» showcasing 200 of Azerbaijan’s finest artists across a wide range of disciplines, including culinary arts. For beyond making classical music accessible to all, Mischa Damev’s ambition is also to «make »Musical September’ a place where people from different cultures can meet, a hub for intercultural exchange.”.

As it does every year, the festival’s vitality also stems from its strong commitment to youth. Convinced of the importance of «making classical music accessible to all and raising awareness of this music among younger generations,» the festival has developed a policy of very affordable ticket prices for students and apprentices. It is expanding its free programming and continuing its close collaboration with private and public schools in the canton of Vaud, involving approximately 2,000 students aged 8 to 15 this year. In addition to educational workshops, concerts featuring young performers will be specially dedicated to families and school groups.

The Septembre Musical guarantees surprising concerts on the Riviera. This year, it’s once again taking a chance on an unconventional festival that defies labels by bringing together performers from different worlds who rarely cross paths. Here, you’ll forget all about the familiar. Get ready for exhilarating experiences that blend the power of the arts with the world of classical music. And above all, get ready to celebrate its 80th anniversary!