Gstaad New Year Music Festival
Held across mountain venues in the Bernese Alps, the festival features recitals and concerts spanning bel canto opera, chamber music, and jazz sessions. Audiences can attend performances by internationally renowned opera singers, acclaimed instrumentalists, and emerging young artists. The programme also includes musical lectures and literary presentations.
What to Expect
Alpine classical music festival under the patronage of Prince Albert II.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Gstaad New Year Music Festival
Food & Drink
A lunch follows the Beethoven lecture at Hôtel de Rougemont; it is paid for directly on site.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Classical music and opera enthusiasts
Vibe
Refined and celebratory
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Dec 26: 19h; Dec 27: 19h; Dec 28: 19h; Dec 30: no time stated; Jan 2: 18h30; Jan 3: 15h and 19h; Jan 7: 15h and 19h.
Tips & Advice
- The program can still change, so confirm your concert's details close to the date before you set off for the church.
- On January 3 Saanen church has two concerts, Benjamin Bernheim in the afternoon and a Grands Duos evening, so you can book both.
- On January 7 Lauenen also has two concerts, starting with young pianist Martina Meola in the afternoon.
- If you go to the January 2 Beethoven talk, plan to pay for the lunch that follows on site.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening concert with soprano Juliana Grigoryan on December 26 at the Église de Rougemont
- Grands Duos series on December 28, January 2 and January 3
- Broadway recital by Michael Spyres and soprano Tara Stafford-Spyres on December 30 in Saanen
- Talk 'Que la montagne est belle' at the Gstaad Yacht Club on December 30
- Beethoven bicentenary talk at the Hôtel de Rougemont on January 2, followed by lunch paid on site
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing this season?
Singers include sopranos Juliana Grigoryan, Kristina Mkhitaryan, Lisette Oropesa, Julie Fuchs and Amina Edris, tenors Pene Pati and Benjamin Bernheim, and baritones Ludovic Tézier and Andrey Zhilikhovsky. Pianists include Martina Meola, Earl Rose, Alessandro Praticò, Mathieu Pordoy and Carrie-Ann Matheson. Michael Spyres and Tara Stafford-Spyres also appear.
What is the Grands Duos series?
It's a set of duo concerts. Pene Pati and Amina Edris sing on December 28, Lisette Oropesa and Ludovic Tézier on January 2, and Kristina Mkhitaryan and Andrey Zhilikhovsky on January 3.
Are there talks as well as concerts?
Yes. On December 30 there's a talk titled 'Que la montagne est belle' at the Gstaad Yacht Club. On January 2 a talk at the Hôtel de Rougemont marks the bicentenary of Beethoven's death and is followed by lunch, which you pay for on site.
Are there any young artists on the program?
Yes. Martina Meola, a 13-year-old Italian pianist who won the Jeune Chopin competition with Martha Argerich's backing, plays on January 7 at the church in Lauenen.
How can I support the festival?
Join Les Amis du Gstaad New Year Music Festival using the registration form.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.