Keeping the fire burning for 2021

In its 12th year, GAIA was to be entirely dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven in celebration of his 250th birthday.

In addition to a wealth of music by Beethoven, interpreted and performed by numerous world-class musicians, GAIA 2020 would have culminated with the world premiere of a piece by Thun-born author Lukas Bärfuss – and interpretation of Tolstoy’s Kreutzer Sonata, approaching Beethoven from an entirely different perspective.

In times of Covid-19, there was no way the festival could be held in May 2020. Although the festival management thought, with optimism, that the last days of summer (September to be precise) would be a good moment for the festival to take to the stage, GAIA 2020 has had to be cancelled – the internationality and togetherness that characterise the festival and make GAIA what it is are severly compromised this year due to uncertain travel regulations and social distancing.

Good things come in threes, the saying goes: after a postponement and a cancellation, our hope is that May 2021 bring more luck.

GAIA returns to Oberhofen between 25 and 29 August 2021. The name of the programme – Götterfunken – underlines the idea that Beethoven is more topical than ever, even in the absence of an actual anniversary.

If you would like more information about the festival or wish to support GAIA, please take a close look at this website or write to: info@gaia-festival.com.

We already look forward to an exceptional birthday celebration with you, because even though the joy of music-making seems painfully far away, we will be all the more delighted to meet up again and play for you in 2021.

Until then, best wishes to you and your loved ones,

Gwendolyn Masin
Founder and artistic director