70 November 2012 www.bahrainthismonth.com spotlightthismonth xxxxx Our business is based on trust, and through engagement with music and art, we build our communication with clients at a different level, forging a more personal relationship with them Bahrain is hosting one of the most celebrated young violinists in the world, thanks to BSI, one of the oldest private banks in Switzerland, present in Bahrain through a branch office. Renaud Capuçon will perform masterpieces from Beethoven and Strauss accompanied by the noted pianist, Jerome Ducros. Capuçon will play the famous Gesù 1737 ‘Panette’ violin loaned to him by BSI after it was acquired from a private American collection in 2005. The concert takes place on November 4 at Shaikh Ebrahim Centre at Muharraq. “We’re very proud to have returned this extraordinary violin to the world of classical music and the public. The violin is a powerful expression of Italian music and culture and this particular instrument represents the very essence of BSI,” says Dr Alfredo Gysi, chairman of the BSI board and the main force behind the initiative. “Our business is based on trust, and through engagement with music and art, we build our communication with clients at a different level, forging a more personal relationship with them,” he adds. For Capuçon, the Gesù violin represents a milestone. The instrument belonged to musician Isaac Stern, under whom Capuçon had the opportunity to briefly study. A majority of Stern’s recordings were made with this instrument, which remained his faithful companion for over 50 years. Capuçon’s association with BSI goes back 12 years, when he first made an appearance at Lugano, along with his brother, a cellist, and has played with Martha Argerich. Capuçon is the perfect choice for this instrument, believes Dr Gysi. “This violin has an extraordinarily rich tone and personality, which fits perfectly to the style of Renaud. We hope it’ll be appreciated in Bahrain,” he says. Music is one of Dr Gysi’s earliest passions and he played several instruments including the Trevor flute. However, having decided that he wasn’t talented enough to be a great musician, he opted to pursue a doctorate in mathematics instead. “There’s a clear link between mathematics and music; both express reality in an abstract way,” he observes. Dr Gysi’s campaign over the years has been to drive investment into contemporary art and classical music. One of the mainstays in BSI’s annual calendar is the Martha Argerich project, a month-long musical extravaganza that’s been part of the Lugano festival for 12 years. BSI’s summer festival at Engadin encompasses jazz and classical music in the delightful setting of south-east Switzerland. In addition to the twin events, BSI has financially supported the training and development of young musicians of exceptional talent since 2004. Candidates are selected by a committee of respected international musicians and bursary holders are given the opportunity to perform at events promoted and organised by BSI. “It’s very rewarding to support talented musicians so that they can achieve their potential. Enabling them to present their talent before the public is a matter of great satisfaction for the bank,” notes Dr Gysi. BSI’s patronage of music and the arts is legendary. The man behind the crusade is bringing a celebrated violin virtuoso to town. For the Love of Art Dr Alfredo Gysi
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