Sebastian Bohren is a world-class violinist who directs a series of concerts and a classical music festival that have put Brugg on the map. The canton of Aargau needs its own concert hall, he says.
Aargau is the most underrated Swiss canton when it comes to culture. Lovers of classical music are spoilt for choice, with notable venues like Olsberg, Boswil, Muri, Wettingen and Seon. But what the canton needs are local politicians who can get everyone pulling in the same direction – not least because local violinist Sebastian Bohren has created an additional hotspot: Brugg.
Bohren is an established violinist on the world stage who recently attracted critical acclaim for his “In Evening Light” recording, which is devoted to two works by the Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks (1946). In this world premiere of Violin Concerto No. 2, Bohren gives a dazzlingly wistful yet assertive performance. He ends the album with an atmospheric meditation.
In its review, violin magazine “The Strad” describes Bohren as Vasks’ ideal champion: “The long soaring lines are lovingly sustained and his tone, although lucid, allows for melancholy and uncertainty too. Yet there’s no lack of power, not least in the three cadenzas, which are replete with double and triple stops.”
Bohren has lofty ambitions, which he is in the process of fulfilling. He has been Switzerland’s best and most prominent violinist of recent years but is wonderfully forthright saying that he wants to be among the very best. Directing his own classical events is a step towards this goal.
But how much live classical music can Aargau take? “It’s survival of the fittest,” Bohren replies nonchalantly. “Competition is good for business. Hopefully it makes everyone up their game.” He admires the Seetal Classics, which the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich cellist Benjamin Nyffenegger has done so much to revive. But he has nothing to fear either, he adds. “Numa Bischof, the artistic director of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, once said that you also need to see the positive side. Festivals, like other things, come and go. New things take their place. Nothing has to be forever.”
Bohren has not shied away from the competition. His festival starts at the beginning of September, just when everyone is heading to the Lucerne Festival. Is he crazy? The violinist prefers to describe himself as audacious. “A lot of hard work and business acumen go into it – but it gives me a buzz.” And the fact that people only really go to concert halls and operas from the beginning of October is of little worry to him. “Experiences from other festivals or concerts in general only interest me to a point. We have been building our own brand in Brugg for a good few years, with an audience that totally identifies with our concerts and artists. People now come to Brugg from around the canton and beyond. I believe we need to take a very long-term view. Repetition is extremely important. Only then does the tradition grow.”
The scheduling is fine as far as he is concerned. The only real snag is that it prevents Bohren from going on a relaxing summer holiday with his wife and two-and-a-half-year-old son.
Nor is the violinist afraid to point out what the canton of Aargau currently lacks: a modern concert hall. No disgrace in the grand scheme of things, says Bohren. But he thinks it would certainly be feasible and possible to build a classical music hall in Brugg with outstanding acoustics and the appropriate infrastructure. Entrepreneur at heart, Bohren is not one to beg solely for public money. “Both the public and private sector need to get involved, in the right balance and to the right extent,” he says.
A major project like this will not simply happen on its own but depends on the persuasiveness and perseverance of individual people. “You will meet resistance on the way, so you need people with staying power to see the project through.” Bohren hesitates for a moment, but then he adds: “We need to think of what the canton of Aargau will be like in 50 years’ time. I see enormous potential.”
Brugg very much appreciates its world-class violinist, who even gave an official address during the town’s Swiss National Day celebrations. The feeling is mutual. Bohren is proud to represent this small town and cement its place on the cultural map. He will continue to do his bit with as much business savvy as he has. Yet even he relies on cantonal money. And public funding is never a given.
Bohren has shown that he can inspire people. He wants to grow Brugg Festival into one of Switzerland’s leading festivals. Fighting talk – and a breath of fresh air in a country more prone to understatement.
The 2025 Brugg Festival takes place at the beginning of September, with timings and line-up to be confirmed. www.strettaconcerts.com
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