Culture
“Art on Ice”: With Power, Passion, Beauty & Soul
When classical meets Pop: almost two decades of Art on Ice
The figure skating gala “Art on Ice” is celebrating its 19th time in Zurich this year! For the last three days it has opened its doors to thousands of passionate fans of winter sports and music in the Hallenstadion.
Aljona Savhenko and RobinSzolkowy at Art on Ice 2014 – copyright Veronique Gray
concert pianist Khatia Buniatishvili on the podium of Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
Ice dancers Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat – copyright Véronique Gray
In 2013 the show was completely sold out. But the tour does not stop in Zurich, it continues on to Lausanne, Davos, Helsinki and finally to Stockholm. Good logistics make the entire move from one place to another successful and years of practice master the unexpected challenges.
This year the organisers mixed up classical and pop music. The first part with the Youth Classics Orchestra, directed by Philip Draganov, was more like a ballet, romantic and graceful while the second part was more up-beat.
Loreen and her dancers at Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
One of the singers of this year’s gala is the beautiful young and talented Loreen. Born from Maroccan parents, Loreen was raised in Sweden. Her fame started when she won the Eurovision song contest in 2012 with “Euphoria”. On she ice she moved the crowd with her single “We Got the Power”.
Stéphane Lambiel congratulating Khatia Buniatishvili at Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
skaters with concert pianist Khatia Buniatischvili at Art on Ice – copyright Veronique Gray
Another genie at the show is the extraordinary concert pianist Khatia Buniatishvili. Just like Mozart Amadeus, the Georgian lady with residency in Paris, gave her first concert at the age of 6. The way she plays Chopin or Liszt transports you in a world of magic. Khatia constantly changes dresses, all more beautiful and sexy the one than the other!
Joannie Rochette at Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
Robin Szolkowy and Aljona Savchenko at Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
Robin Szolkowy and Anjona Savvhenko at Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat
Many amazing ice dancers and figure skaters joined the 2014 program. They are:
- the 18 year old Adelina Sotnikova (2014 Russian champion & Europe champion in 2013 & 2014)
- the amazing French talented Florent Amodio (2 time French National Champion in 2010 & 2013). He lives and trains in Moscow.
- the radiant Canadian skater and bronze medalist at the Vancouver Olympic Games, Joannie Rochette
- the French ice dancers Nathalie Péchalat & Fabian Bourzat (European ice dance champions in 2011 & 2012)
- the Canadian Kurt Browning, who is known for his guiness record for landing the first quad toe loop in 1988
- the 4 time world champions and 4 time European Champions, Aljiona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy
- the best known male Swiss figure skater Stéphane Lambiel (silver medallst in the Turin Olympics 2006 and 2 time World Champion)
- the “Queen of the Ice”, Sarah Meier (European Champion in 2011)
Sarah Meier talking about Art on Ice at the after show party – copyright Véronique Gray
This year is Sarah’s 13th participation at Art on Ice. While she continues skating for occasions like this one, she is now studying journalism at the Ringier school and writes some articles for Schweizer Illustrierte.
Maxim Trankov and Tatiana Volososhar at Art on Ice in Zurich – copyright Véronique Gray
Of course what some of the crowd had come to see were the stars of Sochi the two time Gold medalists, Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov. The two Russians had just returned from Moscow 24 hours earlier after a party at the Kremlin with President Putin. Tatiana enjoyed the party, organised to thank the Russsian Winter Olympic winners.
Mummenschanz, the Swiss masque theatre group (founded in 1972) was part of the show just like last year. The breakdancer Gev Manoukian charmed the Hallenstadion with a powerful act and spins. The constantly changing light display and the colourful costumes (Isabel Jazzabell) well deserve some great applause.
Mummenschanz at Art on Ice 2014 – Véronique Gray
Duo Terra Incognito coypyright Veronique Gray
A younger crowd had come to hear the music of Hurts with a style reminding us of Depeche Mode. The British duo from Manchester is made up of Theo Hutchcraft the singer and Adam Anderson, the synthetiser. Since their beginning in 2009 they released two CDs “Happiness” (2010) and “Exile” (2013). Their powerful hits “Something to die for”, “Wonderful Life” & “Miracle” have made them known worldwide. Noone wanted them to leave the ice last night!
Hurts at Hallenstadion in Zurich – copyright Véronique Gray
No matter what, the program gives you shivers and brings great emotions flowing from the beginning. There were some unforgetable moments like when Kurt Browning was dancing under Gene Kelly’s tune “Singing in the Rain” or Loreen was singing in the middle of fire.
Founders of Art on Ice Reto Caviezel (Right) and Oliver Höner (Left) at the after-show party
The founders Oliver Höner and Reto Caviezel are already excited about the 20th anniversary, which will be celebrated in February 2015. Looking back at the last two incredible decades it will surely not be disappointing!
AFTER SHOW PARTY:
Tatiana Volosozhar at the after-show party of Art on Ice – copyright Véronique Gray
Dancers and singers of Art on Ice at after-show party – coypyright Véronique Gray
Chocolate sculpture for Art on Ice After Show Party at the Swisshotel in Zurich – copyright Veronique Gray
Swiss chocolate from Läderach – copyright Véronique Gray
Läderach chocolate sculpture for Art on Ice after show party – copyright Véronique Gray
WATCH OUR VIDEOS OF OUR EVENING AT ART ON ICE:
