Wissembourg: The International Music Festival welcomes Anne-Sofie von Otter

Among the highlights of this fortnight, the organizers have planned two evenings. In addition to the closing concert on August 31 by the Orchestre National de Mulhouse, which will be conducted by solo violinist Pierre Fouchenneret, the festival is honored to welcome Swedish mezzo- soprano Anne-Sofie von Otter on August 18 for a concert called "Douce France." She will be accompanied by four musicians, on accordion, violin, guitar, and piano.

"It's a rarity and we hope the concert will be sold out," says Pascale Fuchs, president of the festival, who adds, if necessary, that Anne-Sofie von Otter has "sung on the greatest stages around the world" and notably won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Classical Album for Solo Voice for her double CD of melodies and songs, Douce France .

By welcoming the singer, who has participated in numerous operas, notably performing the role of Merope in Oedipus in 2021, at the Paris National Opera, Pascale Fuchs has several objectives: "Through her reputation, to give visibility to the festival" and make this exceptional concert accessible "to a rural cross-border audience who would not travel, would not have the idea or the means to go to one of her concerts."

As usual, the audience will find international soloists familiar with the Wissembourg event, as well as some new faces. With the aim of opening up to venues and genres, while remaining within classical music, the organizers have planned an organ and trumpet concert on August 21 at the Saint-Jean church with Romain Leleu and Ghislain Leroy. A venue appreciated by musicians and audiences alike, it offers a different atmosphere, even if it is "less convenient" than at the Nef, reports the president, who notes a diversification of venues at festivals.

A second unique evening, still at the Saint-Jean church, will bring together the Hermès and Fidelio quartets in an octet on August 25. True to form, the festival aims to "create connections between musicians," says Pascale Fuchs, who announces the arrival of a cello octet on August 30.

"The idea is to be diverse enough to bring diversity to life in music and to ensure there is something for everyone, while maintaining the festival's classic identity," shares the festival president.

International Music Festival, at La Nef, 6 rue des Écoles in Wissembourg, from August 16 to 31. Concerts at €20, concessions €14, free for children under 18. Except for the concert by Anne-Sofie von Otter and the Orchestre National de Mulhouse (€30). Program at www.wissembourg-festival.com