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21.—25.6. Musica Nostalgica 11:00 Uhr
Musica Nostalgica
21.—25.6., 11:00 Uhr
- Noëlle Grüebler Violine
- Ulrich Schmid Cello
- Andres Joho Piano
- Barbara Felicitas Marin Soprano (22., 23., 24.6.)
- Timm de Jong Baritone (22.6.)
As in previous years, this season’s retreat concert series opens with Musica nostalgica – a classical piano trio dedicated to the refined salon music style that has long defined the retreat concerts in St. Moritz. The trio’s art lies in presenting familiar clichés with subtle irony and charm.
Also known as café music, this genre is not meant to be performed in a strictly serious or purely chamber-music manner – quite the opposite. It thrives on a wide range of playful and interpretive freedoms.
Joining the instrumentalists are a soprano and – on one morning – a baritone, enriching the program with highlights from opera, operetta, and musical theatre.
Something to look forward to – or simply to sit back and enjoy…!
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28.6.—2.7. Das Musenkuss-Kabinett 11:00 Uhr
Das Musenkuss-Kabinett
28.6.—2.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Samuel Zünd Vocals and host (28.—30.6.)
- Julia Schiwowa Soprano (1.—2.7.)
- Nina Ulli Violin
- Edward Rushton Piano
A humorous and slightly risqué song revue from 1920s Berlin awaits audiences this week. Baritone and entertainer Samuel Zünd “breaks the hearts of the proudest women” with his charm and the seductive warmth of his well-tempered voice. He is accompanied by the equally brilliant pianist Edward Rushton.
But the “proud woman” also makes her mark: the virtuosic yet deeply sensitive playing of violinist Nina Ulli transports listeners to both the wild East and the sweet West.
With nostalgic evergreens and German chansons, the program evokes the spirit of 1920s Berlin – centered around the charismatic singer and cabaret artist Max Hansen, who frequently performed in St. Moritz in the 1930s (and was the original head waiter Leopold in Benatzky’s The White Horse Inn at Lake Wolfgang). The result is an invitation for the audience to immerse themselves in a bygone world.
This year, the gifted chansonnière and opera singer Julia Schiwowa joins the ensemble for one of the concerts.
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5.7. Marco Santilli & Marina Vasilyeva 11:00 Uhr
Marco Santilli & Marina Vasilyeva
5.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Marco Santilli Clarinet
- Marina Vasilyeva Piano
Together with pianist Marina Vasilyeva, Marco Santilli weaves a musical tapestry of myths and legends from Italian-speaking Switzerland – and it’s guaranteed not to be dry or dull. Moving between jazz, classical, and folk music, the duo tells stories that are sometimes dreamy, sometimes playful, and sometimes surprisingly dramatic – just like a good fairy tale, only with better sounds. Santilli, a clarinetist from Ticino who now calls Zurich home, blends jazz, modern classical, and world music into his very own style – and he’s happy to let his clarinets have more than just a say in the matter.
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6.7.—8.7. Sujazztiva 11:00 Uhr
Sujazztiva
6.7.—8.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Marco Santilli Clarinet
- Julio Azcano Guitar
- Marina Vasilyeva Piano
- Fulvio Maras Percussion
- Isabell Weymann Flutes
- Davide Jäger Oboe
- François Rieu Horn
- Alessandro Damele Bassoon
- Azra Ramic Contrabass clarinet
If one had to categorize “Sujazzstiva,” the group, according to Santilli, would best fit under the label “jazz.” “Jazz” in the sense of open and “Italian” music. Italian? Yes, because although these are instrumental pieces, they reflect atmospheres, motifs, and melodies that draw on the musicality of Santilli’s native language. Legends and tales from the Ticino Alps, his homeland, run like a “common thread” through the pieces. “Compositions with a story are more powerful,” Santilli is convinced.
The large ensemble of nine musicians emerged from the merger of the jazz quartet “CheRoba” and the quintet “il Fiato delle Alpi” (the Breath of the Alps), which is characterized by rarely played wind instruments with low registers: alto flute, English horn, and contrabass clarinet. Together with the French horn and bassoon, they help to make the sounds warmer and more intense.
A unique and entertaining musical experience!
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8.7. und 9.7. Kamar 11:00 Uhr
Kamar
8.7. und 9.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Marco Santilli Clarinet
- Karolina Öhman Cello
- Fulvio Maras Percussion
The focus is on music by Marco Santilli, tailor-made for cellist Karolina Öhman – classically trained, with a flair for improvisation, and thus the perfect partner for this sonic exchange. Karmar means “frame” in Swedish – a fitting name, as moods and soundscapes shift here more rapidly than the scenery in a theater. The result: European jazz with open ears, a sense of silence, and a penchant for surprises. The cello, accompanied by percussion, entwines with Santilli’s clarinets, which sometimes whisper, sometimes dance – effortlessly drifting through all stylistic realms.
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12.—16.7. The Sam Singers 11:00 Uhr
The Sam Singers
12.—16.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Catriona Bühler Vocals
- Julia Schiwowa Vocals
- Noelle Bobst Vocals
- Samuel Zünd Vocals, bandleader, arranger, and pianist
- Fridolin Blumer Double bass
It’s impossible to imagine the retreat concerts without them: “The Sam Singers.” They are arguably Switzerland’s leading close-harmony group, dedicated to the swinging melodies and unforgettable hits of the first half of the 20th century. For many years, “The Sam Singers” have been striving to recreate the authentic sound of those early hits, prioritizing exceptional sound quality above all else. Their precise, warm sound brings the atmosphere of that era back to life. Whether it’s the evergreens of the Manhattan Transfer, the Chordettes, the King Sisters, the Andrews Sisters, the Swiss export hit trio Geschwister Schmid, or the German vocal group Comedian Harmonists, the four-part vocal group touches its audience with delightful authenticity.
The Sam Singers complement their hosted shows with anecdotes about the music and its background, along with period documents, choreography, and period-appropriate outfits.
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19.—23.7. Ensemble “i musichieri” 11:00 Uhr
Ensemble “i musichieri”
19.—23.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Noëlle Grüebler Violin
- Christof Brunner Violin
- Regula Maurer Cello
- Christoph Elsaesser Double Bass
- Raimund Wiederkehr Piano and Vocals
Also returning: the ensemble “I musichieri,” which has been dedicated to high-quality, virtuoso salon music for over 20 years. In the Ticino dialect, the name roughly translates to “musicians who play for dancing.” The ensemble cultivates this style – which was played on ocean liners, in grand hotels, Viennese cafés, and retreat pavilions from around 1900 to the mid-20th century – in an entertaining and spirited manner. Engagements around the world have taken the musicians to Hong Kong, Dubai, the Venice Biennale, and Vienna for an OECD congress. In addition to virtuoso pieces, their repertoire also includes hits from the 1920s, beloved operetta melodies, and dances ranging from waltzes to tangos and Charlestons to the swinging foxtrot, as well as wonderful light music from the so-called “Beromünster” era of the 1950s and 1960s, named after the Swiss radio station “Beromünster.”
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26.—30.7. LenZün Harmony Quintett 11:00 Uhr
LenZün Harmony Quintett
26.—30.7., 11:00 Uhr
- Samuel Zünd Piano and Vocals
- Peter Lenzin Saxophone and Clarinet
- Saki Hatzigeorgiou Guitar and Bouzouki
- Gabriel Meyer Double Bass and Guitar
- Jan Geiger Drums and Flute
- Daniel Rieser Piano (25., 26.7.)
The jazz combo performs a wide-ranging, international repertoire of sophisticated light music, the kind that has been a staple for decades in the renowned bars and dance venues of prestigious resort destinations such as Gstaad, Montreux, and St. Moritz.
Their repertoire includes international hits and chansons, jazz standards, local folk music, and South American evergreens. It ranges from Mani Matter to the Bündner Ländlerfründa and Vico Torriani to Udo Jürgens, with songs such as: “Veronika der Lenz ist da,” “Ramona,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “In der Schweiz,” “Hemmige,” “My Way,” “Volare,” and “Griechischer Wein.”
This year, two full mornings are dedicated entirely to the hits of arguably the greatest entertainer of the 20th century: “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” with Samuel Zünd & The Apollo Brothers (July 25—26)
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2.8. “Swingin’ Balkan Soul” 11:00 Uhr
“Swingin’ Balkan Soul”
2.8., 11:00 Uhr
- Goran Kovacevic Accordion
- Peter Lenzin Saxophone
- Jan Geiger Drums
Alpine music, Balkan, jazz, and tango. Musette, classical, avant-garde – living “in eastern Switzerland,” their hearts beat for the music of Europe: music from the Balkans and Appenzell, from Paris and Madrid, from the Mediterranean and the North Sea – and occasionally from New York and Chicago as well.
Goran Kovacevic, Peter Lenzin, and Jan Geiger pull off the feat of blending genres as effortlessly as one would wish for Europe in the 21st century: as a borderless unity full of respect for cultural diversity.
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3.8. und 4.8. Die Schurken 11:00 Uhr
Die Schurken
3.8. und 4.8., 11:00 Uhr
- Goran Kovacevic Accordion
- Martin Schelling Clarinet
- Stefan Dünser Trumpet
- Martin Deuring Bass
“La vita è bella!”
Down with gravity – long live lightheartedness! If you just look around a little and browse through the media, you’re sure to find plenty that’s unsettling and difficult – there are many reasons to worry. At the same time, we live in times of incredible abundance.
“La vita è bella” is a new concert program by “Die Schurken,” in which they explore this contrast through music, where lightness and optimism are palpable, but so are the dark and heavy elements. With their program, they aim to entice people, to let them feel that lightness and joy again and again, and thus look toward the future. With thoughtful narration, they guide the audience through the program, featuring classical music, film scores, music by Nino Rota and Nicola Piovani – from Satie to Shostakovich – and, of course, newly composed pieces.
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5.8. und 6.8. “Not Absolutely Classical” 11:00 Uhr
“Not Absolutely Classical”
5.8. und 6.8., 11:00 Uhr
- Goran Kovacevic Accordion
- Claire Pasquier Piano
- Peter Lenzin Saxophone
Immerse yourself in music that highlights the unusual yet wonderfully harmonious timbres of these three instruments, creating a fascinating soundscape. The repertoire spans a wide spectrum, ranging from classical music to tango nuevo and film music. At the same time, a unique soundscape emerges through the ascinating combination of instruments, which enriches the music with a special dynamic and a multi-layered sound spectrum.
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7.—8.8. The Operetticals “Die faire Witwe im Gasthaus zur weissen Fledermaus” 17:00 Uhr
The Operetticals “Die faire Witwe im Gasthaus zur weissen Fledermaus”
7.—8.8., 17:00 Uhr
- Andrea Hofstetter Soprano
- Wolf Latzel Baritone
- Simon Burkhalter Bass
- Raimund Wiederkehr Piano and occasional tenor
- Marina Keller Equipment
Operetta music has a long tradition at retreat concerts. And the past two years have shown that this form of light entertainment remains very popular. Why is that? Because this art form turns the world upside down. It lets you float above life’s difficulties, dance away your worries, and overcome all problems through song.
“The Operetticals” – four singers and a set designer led by entertainer Raimund Wiederkehr – have set out to thoroughly dust off this charming art form and present it with wit and energy. Paired with its sister, the classical musical, this small but fine ensemble performs a full four pieces in just one hour! (Who wants to sit through a four-hour play anyway?) If that doesn’t lead to a costume showdown…
Look forward to two exclusive specials featuring timeless numbers from the world of entertaining musical theater, and join the “fair Widow” at the “Gasthaus zur weissen Fledermaus.”
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9.8.—13.9. Ensemble Modestia 11:00 Uhr
Ensemble Modestia
9.8.—13.9., 11:00 Uhr
- Alexandra Moroz Oboe (9.8.)
- Claudia Weissbarth Flute (11., 12., 13.8.)
- Branko Simić Violin
- Ioanna Seira Cello
- Andres Joho Piano
Arrangements of major classical works have always been part of the repertoire of retreat orchestras and salon ensembles. It is wonderful that Ensemble Modestia continues this tradition. This music fits perfectly into a carefree summer morning in the mountains – just like the additional nostalgic delicacies from the Belle Époque, which the ensemble presents with great joy and enthusiasm.
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14.8. Ensemble “Clingiadina” “Vienna Remains Vienna” 17:00 Uhr
Ensemble “Clingiadina” “Vienna Remains Vienna”
14.8., 17:00 Uhr
- Valeria Steidle Flute, Vocals, Drums
- Anton Ludwig Wilhalm Trumpet and Alphorn
- Heinz Sieber Cello and Double Bass
- Tamara Salcher Piano
- Werner Steidle Piano, Vocals, Drums
The quintessential coffeehouse atmosphere: in the perfect setting of Vic’s Bar’s Belle Époque hall, the audience is treated this afternoon to a concert of Viennese music, accompanied, of course, by coffee and cake. With this performance, the Engadin-based ensemble “Cingiadina” kicks off this year’s retreat concert series.
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16.—20.8. Ensemble “Clingiadina” 11:00 Uhr
Ensemble “Clingiadina”
16.—20.8., 11:00 Uhr
- Valeria Steidle Flute, Vocals, Drums
- Anton Ludwig Wilhalm Trumpet and Alphorn
- Heinz Sieber Cello and Double Bass
- Tamara Salcher Piano
- Werner Steidle Piano, Vocals, Drums
They are a must-see in our program: the musicians led by the well-known St. Moritz all-rounder Werner Steidle. They have shaped the musical landscape of the Upper Engadine for many years and are always a crowd-pleaser at the retreat concerts.
“Clingiadina” plays a very wide range of styles, from classical and jazz to gospel, film music, and pop. Yes, that’s how “Engiadina” “clings”: cosmopolitan and versatile.
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21.8. Ensemble “Clingiadina” Let’s dance! 17:00 Uhr
Ensemble “Clingiadina” Let’s dance!
21.8., 17:00 Uhr
- Valeria Steidle Flute, Vocals, Drums
- Anton Ludwig Wilhalm Trumpet and Alphorn
- Heinz Sieber Cello and Double Bass
- Tamara Salcher Piano
- Werner Steidle Keyboard, Vocals, Drums
On Friday, to wrap up a week, the Engadin ensemble invites you at eve to dance. The Kaiser Waltz and other elegant dances await visitors to this special event. And as the title says: Dancing to live music is definitely encouraged!
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23.—27.8. LenZün Harmony Quartett 11:00 Uhr
LenZün Harmony Quartett
23.—27.8., 11:00 Uhr
- Peter Lenzin Saxophone and Clarinet
- Samuel Zünd Piano and Volcals
- Saki Hatzigeorgiou Guitar and Bouzouki
- Gabriel Meyer Double Bass and Guitar
Accomplished saxophonist Peter Lenzin, together with the gifted singer and pianist Samuel Zünd, takes the audience on a journey through nostalgic evergreens, classic Swiss pop songs, and lively swing hits.
The musical duo from Eastern Switzerland is joined by two versatile musicians: Saki Hatzigeorgiou on guitar and bouzouki, and bassist and guitarist Gabriel Meyer. These four passionate musicians previously performed in the Vico Torriani musical “Hotel Victoria” in 2016 on the stage of the Reine Victoria theater and have also appeared with various ensembles at the Festival da Jazz St. Moritz.
The entertaining show is hosted and enlivened with anecdotes about the entertainment stars of the past.
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28.8. Ensemble “Clingiadina” “Longing and Passion” 17:00 Uhr
Ensemble “Clingiadina” “Longing and Passion”
28.8., 17:00 Uhr
- Valeria Steidle Flute, Vocals, Drums
- Anton Ludwig Wilhalm Trumpet and Alphorn
- Heinz Sieber Cello and Double Bass
- Tamara Salcher Piano
- Werner Steidle Keyboard, Vocals, Drums
To conclude their guest performance at “Music mondaine” this year, the musicians from the Engadin will transport the audience to Eastern Europe and treat them to the soaring melodies of Hungarian csárdás and the fiery rhythms of Gypsy and Klezmer music.
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30.8.—3.9. Ensemble “Tiffany” 11:00 Uhr
Ensemble “Tiffany”
30.8.—3.9., 11:00 Uhr
- Friedemann Sarnau First Violin
- Cathrine Henry Second Violin
- Johannes Burghoff Cello
- Dominique Bettens Double Bass
- Joachim Forlani Clarinet
- Yves Moulin Accodrion
- Andres Joho Piano
- Claude Meynent Percussion
They, too, have become a fixture of the retreat concerts: the large ensemble “Tiffany” from French-speaking Switzerland. These musicians know that anyone who ventures into salon music is, by definition, embarking on an adventure. The adventure is even greater when the music comes from a genius like the French violinist and composer of the century, Georges Boulanger, to whom this ensemble is particularly devoted: Light music that makes life seem more pleasant and cheerful, makes women’s eyes sparkle, and flatters men’s vanity, yet offers something profound just around the corner.
The concerts of this ensemble are characterized by many wonderful pastel hues.
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6.—8.9. “Bocca Classica” – Vokalensemble 11:00 Uhr
“Bocca Classica” – Vokalensemble
6.—8.9., 11:00 Uhr
- Raimund Wiederkehr Conductor and Piano
The Most Beautiful Choirs from Opera, Operetta, and Musicals
“Bocca classica” was founded by the renowned Swiss soprano Noëmi Nadelmann and participated with great success in the Swiss television show “Kampf der Chöre” (Battle of the Choirs). For several years now, the ensemble has been under the direction of tenor, choir director, and pianist Raimund Wiederkehr. The trained voices of this powerful ensemble specialize in presenting classical music in an entertaining way. A special feature of their repertoire are their short adaptations of operas such as “Carmen” or “Cavalleria rusticana.” In the summer of 2024, they produced a humorous staged evening at the Zurich Tram Museum featuring choral music about trains, trams, and buses by Offenbach, Krenek, Gershwin, and others. In the summer of 2025, they performed as guests at the Schlossoper Seetal AG. In 2019, they had the privilege of performing at the legendary Villa Verdi, the famous retirement home for retired opera singers in Milan.
At last year’s resort concerts, they delighted the audience as an enthusiastic choir in Franz Lehár’s operetta “The World Is Beautiful.”
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9.—10.9. Trio Sorriso 11:00 Uhr
Trio Sorriso
9.—10.9., 11:00 Uhr
- Lukas Roos Clarinet
- Daniela Roos Cello
- Patricia Ulrich Piano
Coffeehouse Rendezvous – Delightful Salon Music
and Light Classical Making its debut: the Trio Sorriso, which presents heartwarming gems of late-summer salon music from Vienna to Paris to the Engadin, including, of course, many melodies such as “Wien bleibt Wien,” “Oh Mein Papa,” “Petite Fleur,” “S’Träumli,” and “Lingua Materna,”.
This presentation of coffeehouse music, however, is anything but old hat: concentrated musical skill combined with charm and wit ensures a great mood in a relaxed atmosphere.
These musical treats are accompanied by amusing anecdotes from the world of coffee.