Concert by the Swiss Octet

Eight young musicians come together whilst studying music to perform Schubert’s gem, D 803 – the start of their journey together. Going beyond the original repertoire, they arrange their own pieces. This new sound brings a fresh perspective to classical music, seeking a ‘homecoming’ – as reflected in the other two CD titles, ‘Verliebt i Züri’ and ‘Marchstei’ – to Swiss roots, whilst also building bridges ‘à Paris’, for example, to the French chanson. It is within this spectrum that the ensemble shapes its performances, ranging from solo pieces to chamber orchestra arrangements. The former students have become established professional musicians, members of Switzerland’s major orchestras and lecturers at the leading music institutions, who ignite the audience’s infectious enthusiasm for CH8 through their joy of playing. The ensemble’s busy concert schedule has taken it, in recent seasons, to venues including Zurich’s Tonhalle (where, with Wagner’s *Götterdämmerung*, it transported the audience into the world of leitmotifs and the dramatic climaxes of the opera cycle *Der Ring des Nibelungen*). During the 25/26 season, the long-established ensemble could be heard, amongst other venues, on a ‘Tour de France’ concert ship, on which the octet travelled from Paris to Le Havre whilst giving concerts.

Here in Dietikon, they will perform pieces from Spain, Italy, Austria and Germany (Part 1) and then (Part 2) focus on Swiss folk music.

Pieces by Rossini, Bizet, Mozart and Schubert.

Folk music arranged by Florian Walser.

More information: https://www.schweizeroktett.ch