Representational Image. Source: Manuel Nageli/Unsplash
The pandemic has impacted all performing arts venues and artists across the globe. Coming to their rescue is Swiss watch brand Rolex, which has always supported the arts fraternity. The brand has launched an initiative to support musicians and singers during COVID-19.
Starting on August 21 and continuing through to early September, three Rolex Perpetual Music concerts will take place in Italy, Germany and France.
Rolex Testimonee Juan Diego Flórez. Courtesy: Rolex
As a preamble at each of the three concerts, three Rolex Testimonees – Peruvian operatic tenor Juan Diego Flórez, Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón and Sonya Yoncheva; who has supported this project from the outset – will perform the repertoire prepared with singers and musicians.
They will take it in turn to perform solo or in various ensembles. French violinist Renaud Capuçon, who will join the proceedings in Paris, also participated in organising this wonderful initiative.
Rolex Testimonee Sonya Yoncheva. Courtesy: Hugo Glendinning/ Rolex
The concert begins at Teatro Rossini, Pesaro in Italy with Juan Diego Flórez performing an orchestra. On September 1, Sonya Yoncheva will perform in a recital programme at the Berlin Staatsoper and on September 3, Rolando Villazón and Renaud Capuçon will present a repertoire of baroque and chamber music at the Opéra national de Paris (Palais Garnier).
Approximately 100 artists have been hand-picked by the Rolex Testimonees for these concerts. The initiative will be streamed on medici.tv platform until the end of October and can be accessed by people in over 180 countries.
“During these difficult times, when musicians have suffered both the loss of audience and income, our aim is to provide them the opportunity to perform with renowned artists at prestigious venues with the finest acoustics,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communication & Image.
Rolex Testimonee Rolando Villazón, in the role of Lucio Silla at the Salzburg Festival in 2013
“By broadcasting the concerts via medici.tv, a Rolex partner for over a decade, we are able to give worldwide visibility to the artists supported by the initiative. Significantly, this gift of time and exposure is in keeping with the company’s pursuit of excellence and its long-term commitment to foster the work of those who aim to reach the pinnacle of their profession. Last, but not least, within the context of these unprecedented circumstances, this project is also a way for us to help keep music as an essential element in our daily lives.”
Currently, Rolex is also helping to fund artists at the Metropolitan Opera in New York whose work is affected by the virus.
