Music & Festivals
Steeped in musical history, Montreux has been home to many famous artists, including Freddie Mercury and Queen. Mountain Studios, located in the Montreux casino provided a base for many artists over the years, many of whom came to record in the warm and inspirational setting of the town. Deep Purple famously wrote ‘Smoke on the Water’ in Montreux when a fire broke out in the casino during one of their recording sessions.
The Montreux Jazz Festival is an annual event held every year and attracts a star-studded line up. Do not be fooled by the “jazz’ reference as the festival always offers a large range of music across the cluster of 3 intimate venues along the lake. The artists will be confirmed in April. Previous concerts have included Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Emilie Sande, Mary J Blige, Sting and many others. The Festival features many outdoor stages with free concerts for up and coming artists as well as a full range of international cuisine served alongside the lake. A lively New Orleans jazz train leaves from the Montreux station, climbing the mountain behind Montreux to the peak of Rocher-des-Nayes. There are also 3 different boat trips which tour the lake from Montreux to the French cote and provide the opportunity to enjoy live music and dancing, be it on the Brazil Boat, the Jazz and Blues Funky Boat or the Salsa Boat.
Chalet Spa recommends the jazz festival as a great experience and can arrange tickets and VIP passes once the major acts have been confirmed. We can organize our chauffeur to drop you in the heart of the town just 50 minutes away from Chalet Spa and to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle at the end of the day.
Event: Montreux Jazz & Rock Festival
Location: Montreux, Switerland
When: End of June for 2 weeks
Distance: 50 minutes by car
An annual event in Verbier since 1994, the Festival also encompasses The Verbier Festival Academy, which encourages globally recognized stars to share their expertise with new and improving youngsters. Music pours out from everywhere in Verbier – even from the mountain tops – in true festival style!
The Verbier Festival Orchestra (VFO) consisting of 110 musicians aged from 16 to 29 who gather at the Festival and perform six concerts before their international tour each autumn.
The Verbier Festival Discovery experience allows adults and children to explore music through various organized activities including experimenting with art and musical instruments. Finally, the Verbier Festival Amateur Chamber Music Week opens its doors to amateur musicians in the week running up to the Festival.
Chalet Spa recommends the Verbier International Music Festival for all ages.
Event: Verbier International Music Academy and Festival
Location: Verbier, Switzerland
When: Mid July for 3 weeks
Distance: In Verbier
Various after parties continue in the town of Verbier and Chalet Spa Verbier can book advance VIP tickets for this event.
Event: Polaris Festival
Location: Verbier, Switzerland
When: Every December
Distance: In Verbier
The Verbier Impulse Ski & Music Festival takes place from a main stage below Chalet Carlsberg in Verbier ski resort.
At an altitude of 2,500 metres, natural terraces are carved into the snow for two weekends of live performances “on the piste”.
Swiss and International artists bring the mountains to life at the same time as World Cup skiers and sports personalities take part in the Verbier High Five ski race.
This event is a true festival of skiing and music, all normally enjoyed under a spring sun and in mild weather.
Event: Music & Ski Festival
Location: Verbier, Switzerland
When: April
Distance: In Verbier