Artists in residence

Julia Lezhneva’s voice is widely acclaimed: described as “angelic” (New York Times), with a “pure tone” (Opernwelt) and “flawless technique” (Guardian). Born in 1989, she studied at the Moscow Conservatory, won the Elena Obraztsova Competition at the age of 18 and opened the Rossini Opera Festival at the age of 20. She works regularly with Giovanni Antonini, I Barocchisti and Il Giardino Armonico.

Full of virtuosity or full of passion? Superstar Sol Gabetta combines both. As founder and artistic director of the Solsberg Festival, a lecturer at the Basel Academy of Music and through her masterclass at classicAscona, she nurtures young talents. She has already been named “Instrumentalist of the Year” (OPUS Klassik) and is a winner of the Swiss Music Prize and the European Culture Prize.

Is Vilde Frang a star? Judging by her successes, yes, yet on stage she comes across as modest. She devotes herself entirely to the music – technically flawless, deeply felt and full of life. Vilde Frang consistently plays what she finds artistically compelling – not what the audience or record company expects. She is regarded as one of the most courageous and expressive artists of her generation.