ELLES: A Celebration of International Women’s Day

Calling all classical music lovers in Geneva! On Saturday, March 8th, 2025, join us at Victoria Hall in Geneva for ELLES, a special concert celebrating International Women’s Day. In collaboration with the Orchestre des Nations, and under the baton of conductor Antoine Marguier, this evening promises to be a powerful tribute to music, artistry, and the contributions of women in the arts.

This concert is not just a celebration of music but also a journey through diversity and tempo. Breaking away from the traditional format of overture-concerto-symphony, the program is designed to be a dynamic and engaging experience, packed with discoveries and free of longueurs. As Marguier puts it, “This is the place to come to discover classical music.”

Meet the Artists

We are thrilled to feature several Classeek artists in this performance, each bringing their unique artistry to the stage:

· Nour Ayadi (Piano): A rising star in the classical music world, Nour has captivated audiences with her virtuosity and emotional depth. A laureate of the prestigious Prix Cortot and a participant in the 2024–25 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme, Nour’s performances have graced stages from the Musikverein in Vienna to La Seine Musicale in Paris.

· Elise Bertrand (Violin/Composer): A multi-talented artist, Elise is not only an accomplished violinist but also a gifted composer. Her work Les Traversées. 7 will be performed during the concert, showcasing her remarkable creativity and expressive depth. Elise was part of the 2023–24 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme as the first composer on the programme.

· Clarissa Bevilacqua (Violin): Known for her dazzling technique and profound musicality, Clarissa has performed with orchestras across Europe and North America. A winner of the International Mozart Competition Salzburg, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Clarissa was part of the 2023–24 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme.

· Aida Pascu (Soprano): A rising operatic star, Aida has already made waves in the opera world with her powerful and emotive performances. A participant in the 2024–25 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme, which came from being awarded Young Artist of the Year at the International Classical Music Awards (ICMA), Aida’s voice has been praised for its clarity and emotional resonance.

They will be joined by an exceptional lineup of guest artists, including Laura Andres (Soprano), Karolina Ferencz (Mezzo Soprano), Joseph Zeinstra and Oscar Esmerode (Tenor), and Benoît Capt (Bass). The Chœur Universitaire de Lausanne, conducted by Fruzsina Szuromi, will add their voices to this extraordinary musical celebration.

A Peek Into the Programme

The evening will open with Tchaikovsky's dramatic Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, seamlessly flowing into Bruch's beloved Violin Concerto, performed by Clarissa Bevilacqua. Then, the audience will listen to the soaring voices of sopranos Laura Andres and Aida Pascu, joined by 150 choristers from the Chœur Universitaire de Lausanne under the direction of Fruzsina Szuromi, for excerpts from Handel's majestic Dixit Dominus.

The second half spotlights female composers and performers. Szuromi conducts a cappella works by Szőnyi Erzsébet and Amy Beach, followed by the Swiss premiere of Les Traversées.7, opus 21 by Elise Bertrand. Finally, conductor Antoine Marguier will lead a powerful performance of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with pianist Nour Ayadi and a strong lineup of soloists – Aida Pascu, Karolina Ferencz, Joseph Zeinstra, Oscar Esmerode, and Benoît Capt – culminating in a glorious, Ode to Joy-inspired finale.

Join Us on March 8th

This concert is not just a celebration of music but also a tribute to the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in the arts. From the timeless works of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven to the contemporary compositions of Elise Bertrand, the program reflects the diversity and richness of the classical music tradition.

📍 Victoria Hall, Rue du General Dufour 14, 1204 Geneva

📅 Saturday, March 8th, 2025

⏰ Time: 20:00

🎟️ Tickets: 10–40 CHF

» Get your tickets now «

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening!