Tales of Love and Friendship

Edward Elgar dedicated his “Enigma Variations”, premiered in 1899, “to my friends pictured within”, in the words of the composer himself. The 14 variations on a lyrical theme are musical portraits that depict not only Elgar’s wife, but also his publisher, members of his orchestra and, in the end, even himself. He wrote their names only as initials above the individual movements – a composition as an enigma, as a puzzle. This closing concert of Klosters Music 2026 is also David Whelton’s farewell concert as Artistic Director of the festival. The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen is an orchestra that is close to his heart and has provided many magical moments at Klosters Music in recent years. Edward Gardner, Chief Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, a compatriot whom David Whelton holds in high esteem, will be at the conductor’s podium. And violinist Veronika Eberle, a long-standing musical friend, will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Sinfonia concertante” together with British violist Timothy Ridout. All friends of Klosters Music can look forward to a very special evening.

Ticket sales will open on March 1, 2026.