In the height of spring, the 77th edition will honour France and its musical heritage

“Welcome to France! For its 77th year, this special spring edition* of Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey will open a window on this incredible country – a heartland of European culture,” said Mischa Damev, the event director.

This year, the festival will have the honour of welcoming two of France’s most prestigious symphony orchestras: the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. They will perform iconic symphony masterpieces from French musical heritage with the steadfast support of internationally renowned conductors and soloists, including Renaud Capuçon, Tugan Sokhiev, Bertrand Chamayou, Mikko Franck, Pierre Laurent Aimard, Gautier Capuçon and Sol Gabetta.

Committed to establishing links with other genres of music and making culture accessible to everyone, Septembre Musical will also transport audiences to the world of the French chanson, including “Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique” (a co-production with Saison culturelle de Montreux) and a concert devised especially for our festival from accomplished accordionist Richard Galliano. To continue its tradition of celebrating young talent, two concerts will feature France’s rising stars and some of the country’s finest virtuosos.

Septembre Musical has also asked Christophe Bertschy, a well-known graphic designer from French-speaking Switzerland, to produce its 2023 poster. He will provide a personal interpretation of this “window on the world” which the festival opens up on France. It will also highlight the beauty of the Vaud Riviera, the region where the festival has been held for over 70 years.

Three concert venues will be used in 2023: the Auditorium Stravinski in Montreux, Chillon Castle in Veytaux, and the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey.

“A shining beacon amid the current turmoil gripping the world, music provides a source of strength through timeless values,” summed up Mischa Damev.

*Due to construction work starting next summer at Montreux Convention Centre (2m2c), which houses the Auditorium Stravinski