Transformation: Sol Gabetta Following The Footsteps Of Lisa Cristiani (1825-1853) – Trans-mission Ii by Mendelssohn, Fr. 02 Aug. 2024, Ab (2024/2024), Kirche Saanen, Saanen, Schweiz

There was a time when it was considered bold, sometimes even daring, for a woman to pursue a career in the art world, especially if that journey involved playing the cello – an instrument which completely contradicted any societal norms in terms of playing posture. Lisa Cristiani embodied such courage and her concerts as a great virtuoso were adored by audiences! She specialised in the unique art of arranging melodies and arias from popular operas for her instrument. This not only enchanted the audiences of her era, but also captured the attention of several composers, including Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who found inspiration in her talent. As the true trailblazer of the most exciting rediscoveries, Sol Gabetta unfolds the cello’s full virtuosic potential. Masters such as Saint-Saëns and Lalo, followed a bit later by Dvořák and Tchaikovsky, had already sensed the tremendous romantic richness of the instrument. Through her programme, the cellist piques curiosity for more early pioneers like Anna Kull, Hélène de Katow or Róza Szuk ... remarkable artists who, in the future, should be once again thrust into the limelight, much like Lisa Cristiani.