The start of the Sion Festival 2022 will be marked by sharing and peace, with artists from Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. The Kyiv Virtuosi Orchestra and the Rustavi Ensemble will form the prelude on 19 August, with the participation of violinist Alexandra Tirsu. On 20 August, the cohabitation of Ukrainian and Russian music will underpin the traditional “Musique en fête” day, renamed “Musique en paix”. After a playful interlude on the evening of 20 August with the Philharmonix ensemble, the quest for hope will be at the centre of the concert on 21 August, which will feature an oratorio by Richard Galliano in a Swiss premiere.

The 57th edition of the Sion Festival will continue from 25 August and conclude on 4 September.

Friday 19 August 2022, 8 pm, Sion Cathedral: Opening concert

Artistic director Pavel Vernikov brings together artists from regions of Eastern Europe affected by geopolitical conflicts to introduce them to the public. The Kyiv Virtuosi Orchestra, directed by Dmitry Yablonsky – who have been guests in the province of Abruzzo since last May – will perform a work by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, The Messenger. With its dense polyphonic songs, the Rustavi Ensemble will take the audience on a journey through the grandiose landscapes of their native Georgia.

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Saturday 20 August 2022, 7 am – 7 pm, Sion old town: « Musique en paix »

In a spirit of appeasement, the “Musique en fête” day will take the special form of “Musique en paix“: it will be punctuated with references to the Ukrainian and Russian musical worlds. Ten free concerts for all audiences will enliven the old town of Sion throughout the day.

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Saturday 20 August 2022, 8 pm, Théâtre de Valère: Philharmonix

The seven musicians of the Philharmonix ensemble will bring a touch of lightness. They all come from the ranks of very prestigious musical institutions, but they also like to have fun and mix genres, creating colourful and subtle arrangements. A single focus: pleasure!

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Sunday 21 August 2022, 5 pm, Sion Cathedral: Les Chemins noirs

The fourth event of the Sion Festival 2022 will lead the audience from darkness to light with Richard Galliano’s oratorio Les Chemins Noirs, inspired by René Frégni’s first partially autobiographical novel. The voice of the Marseilles-born author will cross paths with those of the Ensemble vocal de Saint-Maurice (conducted by Charles Barbier), while Richard Galliano’s accordion will be the true singer in this poignant story. A tribute to Astor Piazzolla will complete the evening.

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