Magical moments at the Casino of BernClassical music wins many new fans thanks to the Swiss National Orchestra

Yesterday, August 1, the Swiss National Orchestra (SNO) gave its inaugural concert at theCasino de Berne to a full house. The audience was enthralled by an unparalleled soundspectacle, featuring the nest Swiss musicians on the national and international orchestral
scene. The concert, which was free of charge, aroused great enthusiasm for classical music
among the numerous spectators.
On August 1, when the Swiss National Orchestra (SNO) began its rst notes, the hall was lledwith positive vibrations. During the 90-minute concert, time seemed to stand still. Guests
immersed themselves in a world of sound that took them on an emotional journey through theages.
New interpretations rich in tradition

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Under the direction of renowned conductor John Axelrod, SNO offered a performance that
captivated both experts and new classical music enthusiasts. The concert opened with a powerfulperformance of Hans Huber's "Tell Symphony", followed by Giacomo Puccini's haunting

Symphonic Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut, and the Polonaise from Tchaikovsky's opera
Eugene Onegin - all works composed in Switzerland. The virtuosity, color and sound of the SNO
emerged through its perfect harmony and dynamics, underscoring the timeless beauty of thesemasterpieces.
Geneva-based soloist Sébastian Jacot delighted the audience with Siegfried Wagner'sKonzertstück for ute and orchestra, followed by Swiss composer Arthur Honegger's "Pastoraled'été". His ute solo continued with the in nite melody of Rachmaninov's Vocalise. To conclude,
the famous William Tell Overture enthralled the audience, evoking the exploits of the nationalhero.
John Axelrod emphasized: "Music has the power to unite people and build bridges. It was anhonor for me to conduct this orchestra of over 70 musicians in its rst concert." The talents
impressed with their high technical skills and perfect understanding - particularly remarkable,
given that many of them are meeting and playing together for the rst time.
Music for all
Artistic Director Igor Longato was very pleased with his team's successful performance: "Ouraim was, and is, to offer rst-class Swiss musicians the opportunity to play together, and at thesame time to make music of the highest level accessible to everyone. And that's exactly whatwe've succeeded in doing today," he summed up.
SNO has clearly shown that classical music is by no means exclusive or inaccessible. Theorchestra thus marks the start of a new era in the Swiss musical landscape, and makes asigni cant contribution to the preservation of Switzerland's rich cultural heritage.
Upcoming projects in Rome
Another large-scale event is already planned for November 17, 2024: a concert in the Vatican, tobe held under the patronage of the Swiss Embassy. The aim is to present and promoteSwitzerland's rich cultural and musical tradition in a global context.
The enthusiasm and positive energy of the inaugural concert will also resonate beyond theCasino. Anyone wishing to be enchanted by the music should make a note of the forthcoming
dates in their diary.

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About the Swiss National Orchestra:
The Swiss National Orchestra is a non-pro t, tax-exempt, non-religious and apoliticalassociation based in Bern. Founded in 2016 by a group of Swiss musicians and administrators,
the SNO represents all of Switzerland and stands for musical excellence and innovation. Today,the big names in music perform together for the rst time on August 1, 2024. For further
information: www.sno.ch