FESTIVAL 2026
Welcome to the RHONEFESTIVAL FÜR LIEDKUNST, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Swiss Alps — where music and poetry come alive.
Now in its 9th edition, the festival celebrates the art of song from the Baroque era through French and Swiss Romanticism, and into the vibrant expressions of contemporary popular culture. This year’s programme pays a third tribute to the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, featured in our #LIEDINNOVATION. Exactly 100 years ago, he passed away in the canton of Valais and, in accordance with his wishes, was laid to rest in Raron.
Join us for seven exceptional concerts celebrating the beauty of life and the many facets of love.
EVENTS 2026
SHEHERAZADE
Mon · May 4 · 7:30 pm · Rittersaal · Stockalperschloss · Brig
A song recital exploring longing and poetic encounters.
Sarah-Maria Schmid (flute) · Franziska Heinzen (soprano) · Benjamin Mead (piano)
THE HIGH HORSE
Sat · July 4 · 6:30 pm · Garden (open air) · Stockalperschloss · Brig
Classical meets Eurodance — virtuosic and playful.
Stephanie Szanto (mezzo-soprano) · Simon Bucher (piano)
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Sat · July 11 · 6:30 pm · Garden (open air) · Stockalperschloss · Brig
Mendelssohn’s magical sound world of enchantment and love’s entanglements.
Ensemble Fokus · Yann Martig (oboe) · Daniela Engel (clarinet) · Sarah-Maria Schmid (flute) · Pauline Zahno (horn) · Alexander Rauch (bassoon)
FROM LONDON TO BUENOS AIRES
Sat · July 18 · 6:30 pm · Garden (open air) · Stockalperschloss · Brig
A journey between British melancholy and passion.
Franziska Heinzen (soprano) · Clara Parolini (guitar)
#SWISSNESS
Sat · July 25 · 8 pm · Court (open air) · Stockalperschloss · Brig
Romantic Swiss song art between nature, poetry, and longing.
Felix Gygli (baritone) · Benjamin Mead (piano)
REQUIEM FOR A YOUNG ARTIST
Sat · September 26 · 7:30 pm · Rittersaal · Stockalperschloss · Brig
An immersive song recital on the life and poetry of Rilke.
Carlotta Lipski (soprano) · Magdalena Wohlfahrt (piano) · Charlotte Kaiser (mandolin) · Timm Kornelius (bassoon)
TIME STANDS STILL
Sun · November 15 · 6 pm · Rittersaal · Stockalperschloss · Brig
English lute songs full of melancholy and timelessness.
Kieran White (tenor) · Cedric Meyer (lute)