A Powerful Reunion of Talent at Victoria Hall

When innovation meets tradition, remarkable things can happen. That’s exactly the spirit behind Nexus Meets Classeek, a one-night-only concert which will take place on September 7, 2025, at Geneva’s iconic Victoria Hall. This special event celebrates our collaboration with Orchestre Nexus.

This collaboration highlights our shared values of nurturing the next generation of artists, and keeping classical music relevant and alive in the modern world. Get your tickets now!

Two Artistic Journeys, One Stage

At the heart of the evening are two rising stars of the classical scene, both part of the 2023–24 Classeek Ambassador Programme: violinist Dmitry Smirnov and composer Elise Bertrand.

Dmitry Smirnov, praised for his “exuberant artistic personality and wonderful sound,” returns to Victoria Hall not just as a virtuoso soloist, but as a former member of Orchestre Nexus in his early years. Since then, his career has soared, taking him to major stages across Europe. Known for his versatility — spanning solo recitals, chamber music, and cutting-edge collaborations — Dmitry brings passion and precision to every performance. For this concert, he takes on Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, one of the most beloved and technically challenging works in the repertoire.

Elise Bertrand, both a composer and violinist, has quickly established herself as an artist to be reckoned with in classical music. The first composer ever to join the Classeek Ambassador Programme, she is already turning heads with her expressive, elegant writing. Her work Sinfonietta — originally premiered in 2021 under Jean-Jacques Kantorow — will receive its Swiss premiere at this concert. Written for string orchestra and filled with contrasting moods, it showcases Elise’s unique ability to balance structure with emotional depth.

The Concert Programme

Led by conductor Guillaume Berney, the evening’s programme is both accessible and ambitious. The concert includes:

Elise Bertrand – Sinfonietta (Swiss Premiere)

Composed in 2021 and now making its Swiss debut, this two-movement work for strings reveals the immense talent of a rising French composer. Colourful, concise, and full of contrasts, Sinfonietta highlights Elise Bertrand’s refined sense of structure and emotive depth.

Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35

One of the most beloved concertos in the violin repertoire, Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece combines dazzling virtuosity with heartfelt lyricism. Composed in Switzerland in 1878, the work was initially considered too difficult to perform — and now stands as a benchmark for violinists worldwide.

Schumann – Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120

Dramatic and tightly woven, Schumann’s Fourth Symphony is a triumph of thematic transformation. With its recurring motifs and continuous movement across all four sections, it offers a thrilling sense of cohesion. The symphony blends intensity with introspection, reflecting both Schumann’s inner world and the Romantic era’s spirit of innovation.

This concert marks a fitting collaboration between two institutions championing talent, excellence, and the future of classical music — not only showcasing musical brilliance but also celebrating mentorship, innovation, and the deep bonds forged through music.

Mark Your Calendars

📍 September 7, 2025 — Victoria Hall, Geneva

🎟️ View the full programme and book your tickets now: Click here

Whether you’re a long-time classical music lover, part of the Classeek community, or just curious to discover fresh voices in the field, Nexus Meets Classeek promises an evening of energy, depth, and discovery.

With a line-up this compelling — and a setting as beautiful as Victoria Hall — this is not one to miss! We hope to see you there!