Keys that inspire: A festival full of sound adventures

The festival, which takes place every two years, brings international stars and young talents to the stage - with piano, accordion, organ, keyboard and also traditional button instruments such as the Schwyzerörgeli. Stylistically, the program moves between jazz, folk music and classical music, often in exciting crossover projects. Numerous soloists and ensembles perform in different formations during the festival. The Florian Favre Trio kicks off on Friday, March 21 in the Kulturschuppen. What else can visitors expect? Four questions for Christof Hegi, the founder of the festival.

Christof Hegi, why a festival specifically for keyboard instruments?
There are many classical, rock, folk and jazz festivals in Switzerland - but none dedicated to keyboard instruments. The spectrum is huge: from piano and grand piano to accordion, keyboard and Hammond organ to church organ. Every line-up includes at least one such instrument. Even the Schwyzerörgeli is there - even if it has more buttons than keys. We allow ourselves this small inconsistency.

Isn't there a risk that the program will become monotonous?
Quite the opposite! The variety of instruments is great, and the concert venues also ensure a varied experience - from churches to cafés, bars and artists' studios to converted metal workshops or a specially equipped arena. Musically, it will be just as exciting: from folk and world music to jazz and classical - played by international greats. It is particularly appealing when musicians break up their genres, mix folk music with jazz or weave classical with world music. It is precisely such concerts that are the focus of the Keyboard Days.

Which keyboard instrument deserves more attention in your opinion - and why?
I don't really want to single out any of the great instruments. But I am particularly excited about Kit Downes, the English organist who gives concerts all over the world. He will play the new Goll organ in St. Jakob's Church. Church organs often lead a niche existence - either as an accompanying instrument for hymns or difficult to integrate into classical ensembles. Classical solos on the organ are common, but at this concert the organ's enormous sonority will be heard in a new way.

What is your personal highlight this year?
That's really difficult to say - as the person in charge of the program, I put my heart and soul into every concert, and each has its own charm. But if I had to highlight two, then it would be these: In the Kulturschuppen we have a piano duo - on two grand pianos - of the highest class with the siblings Marialy and Jorge Pacheco, who both won the prestigious Montreux Solo Piano Competition. World stars in the Kulturschuppen, which only holds 100 people, in keeping with the festival motto "Music up close!" Another highlight is the stunning Cuban cellist Ana Carla Maza with pianist, percussionist, drummer in the Arena Klosters. What's special is that they play right in the middle of the audience, which creates a very unique, intense atmosphere. Musically and spatially, it's a real experience!