Everyone knows that Israel and Switzerland have strong
historic ties - for example, the first of many Zionist Congresses was held in Basel
in 1897. But now, for the first time, there will be a large cultural exchange between
and in both countries!
The Swiss Season in Israel is a premiere for CULTURESCAPES,
the Basel culture festival celebrated throughout Switzerland: for the first
time, after individual performances by Swiss artists in Estonia, Turkey, Azerbaijan
and China, we are proud to announce a ‘return festival' in the guest country. The
two-month festival Swiss Season will present Swiss artists from various genres at
numerous venues in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and other Israeli towns and
cities.
During the ground-work phase for CULTURESCAPES Israel,
it was possible to build up a large network of various event organisers in
Israel. The initiative for the return festival was born from intensive cooperation,
for example, between the Basler Madrigalisten and the Israel Camerata Orchestra
Jerusalem. This cooperation as well as artist residencies and guest
performances are used to develop a sustainable network between Swiss and
Israeli artists and local event organisers. The Swiss Season provides Swiss
artists access to important Israeli events, such as the Biennale in Herzliya or
the film festival in Haifa. At the same time, it offers the great Swiss independent
theatre and dance scene a platform in Israel. In the field of music, the
variety of the Swiss scene, from classic to new music and jazz, can also be
presented. Well-known artists, such as Christoph Büchel, are mentioned in the
same breath as budding stars, such as Matthias Mooij.
We are extremely proud to present contemporary art as
well as examples of classic Swiss culture in Israel.
A Swiss Season realised with the support of the Swiss Cultural
Foundation Pro Helvetia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Link for the detailed program: www.israel.culturescapes.ch
