Dear Friends,
At the start of 2026, the executive committee ofHelvetia Lyrica extends its warmest wishes to you. May this new year bring you joy, serenity, and wonderful musical discoveries. Your loyalty and support have been essential to our development, and we are pleased to share with you a retrospective of the highlights of 2025 as well as a preview of our 2026 program.
Contents of this newsletter:
Looking back on 2025: a season full of excitement
2026 Program: a year focused on excellence
Acknowledgments and appeal for support
Looking back on 2025: A season full of excitement
New prestigious members join the Honorary Committee
In 2025, we had the immense honor of welcoming American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore, French baritone Ludovic Tézier, and Romain Jordan to our Honorary Committee .
Their trust and support reinforce the legitimacy and ambition of our association.
March 2025 – Maria Malibran, a masterful season opener
Our first conference of the year, devoted to the legendary diva Maria Malibran and led by Professor Emeritus Patrick Barbier, was a resounding success. Audio illustrations, rare iconographic pieces, and passionate narration allowed the audience to rediscover this legendary figure of the 19th century. You can relive the atmosphere of the evening through our photo gallery.
May 2025 – The Théâtre des Italiens in Paris
We then welcomed Charles Sigel, producer and author, for a lecture dedicated to the Théâtre des Italiens and the triumphant arrival of Bel Canto in Paris. A captivating dive into the history of Italian Repertoire France. The lecture was enriched by the presentation of rare iconographic pieces. See the images from the lecture here.
June 2025 – Members' cocktail party
A convivial and much-appreciated moment: the cocktail reception hosted by one of our members, providing an opportunity to freely discuss the association's current projects and future directions.
October 2025 – Masterclass with Maestro Chris Merritt
Highlight of the year: the second Masterclass led by legendary American tenor Chris Merritt, president of our Honorary Committee.
The young artists received exceptional support, and the final concert on October 11 was praised for its remarkable artistic quality. Videos and photos are available on our website and YouTube channel.
October 2025 – Pauline Viardot, an enlightening lecture
Professor Patrick Barbier joined us to discuss the long career of Pauline Viardot, sister of Maria Malibran. A performer, composer, and patron of the arts, she left her mark on the history of opera, both through her artistry and her intense personal life. View or revisit the photos on our website.
Our media activities in 2025
Helvetia Lyrica enjoyed growing visibility:
- Articles in the music press,
- Stronger presence on social media,
- Regular distribution of content on our YouTube channel.
This presence helps to raise awareness of our mission: to preserve, transmit, and celebrate opera. Discover our press kit here.
2026 Program: a year still focused on excellence
February 2026 – Lecture:Lyrical Vivaldi in Venice
We are kicking off the year with a lecture by ProfessorPatrick Barbier, devoted to Antonio Vivaldi's operatic output during his Venetian period. A journey to the heart of La Serenissima and its effervescence, conducive to musical fertility. Images from the lecture will soon be available on our website.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. – Lecture: "Rossini Naples"
We look forward to seeing you at our next event, a lecture by Paul-André Demierre, based on his book: " Rossini Neapolitan Operas. Rossini
After the lecture, a dinner meeting will be held with the speaker, where he will sign copies of his book for guests.
GAMMAH Room, Promenade du Pin 5, 1204 Geneva
As always, you will find the list of our programs for the year on the dedicated page of our website: Program 2026
Acknowledgments and appeal for support
We express our gratitude to our Honorary Committee, whose members support us with generosity and trust.
We would also like to thank all those who, through their presence, commitment, or donations, enable Helvetia Lyrica to continue its mission: making the excellence of opera accessible to all.
In 2026, more than ever, your support will be crucial in developing our projects, preserving our operatic heritage, and offering the public events of ever-higher quality.
We wish you a wonderful 2026 and look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Patrick Motisi
Founder & Chairman
