When music, wine and gastronomy come together.
Since 2020, Culinary Concerts have been inviting epicureans and music lovers to enjoy extraordinary evenings where music, fine cuisine, and exceptional wines come together in the stunning setting of the Vaud Riviera and the Lavaux, a land of flavors and inspiration.
Overlooking Lake Geneva, Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 1,000 years of winemaking tradition, spanning terraced vineyards and hilltop villages. A place steeped in musical history, it has been a refuge for Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Stravinsky, and many other musical and artistic geniuses.
Produced and presented by IamBacchus founder John Axelrod, these Culinary Concerts pay tribute to local products and talents and celebrate cultural patrimony in a unique and refined atmosphere.
The 2025 edition took place at the Salle del Castillo in Vevey on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The evening was organized in partnership with La Maison Obrist, the Chardonne–Mt-Pèlerin Development Society, and the restaurant À la Demi-Lune.
Salle del Castillo
Located on the Place du Marché in Vevey, the Salle del Castillo combines historic charm with modernity. Inaugurated in 1908 and fully renovated in 2014, it offers a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, ideal for hosting concerts, cultural events, and receptions.
À la Demi-Lune
In the heart of the village of Chardonne, with views of the lake and mountains, À la Demi-Lune offers bold and flavourful cuisine, crafted mainly from local and seasonal products. The restaurant has been awarded a 13/20 rating in multiple editions of the Gault & Millau guide.
Maison Obrist
The signature wines of Maison Obrist embody the excellence of Vaudois know-how. Blending winemaking tradition, oenological creativity, and refined aromas, each cuvée reflects the talent of its oenologists and the richness of the Lavaux and Chablais terroirs, including the prestigious Grand Premier Cru from Château de Chardonne.
LadyVa sets Vevey alight
On September 7, 2025, for this 4th edition, Ladyva, the queen of boogie-woogie and an internationally renowned pianist, performed in an exclusive evening at the Salle del Castillo in Vevey.
Ladyva sets stages ablaze around the world with her dazzling performance and irresistible groove. A multiple award winner, she fuses impeccable technique with infectious energy, transporting her audiences into a whirlwind of frenzied rhythms. An explosive show not to be missed!
Previous editions
2025
Ladyva, the world-renowned Swiss pianist, set the Salle del Castillo in Vevey on fire with a Boogie Woogie Beethoven evening that will be remembered.
2022
The 3rd edition of the Culinary Concerts showcased traditional Andalusian music with Una Féria de Flamenco, driven by the rhythms of José Maria Gallardo del Rey.
2021
The second edition, entitled Poetry of Spring, featured soprano Teodora Gheorghiu and the Geneva International Orchestra under the direction of Maestro John Axelrod.
2020
The Serenade of the Seasons, the first edition of the Culinary Concerts, allowed participants to travel despite the pandemic thanks to the brilliant Alexandra Conunova.
À nos côtés pour l'édition 2025
LadyVa
Ladyva is a Swiss pianist of international renown and a virtuoso of boogie-woogie. Discovered as a teenager, she performs worldwide, from London to Egypt, and has shared the stage with Hugh Laurie and Kool & The Gang. Her video Quarantine Boogie has exceeded 200 million views on YouTube.
John Axelrod
A conductor with an eclectic repertoire and charismatic presence, John Axelrod has led renowned orchestras around the world. Trained by Leonard Bernstein and a Harvard graduate, he combines his passion for music, wine, and gastronomy, which he celebrates through IamBacchus and his unique culinary concerts.
Philippe Verdan
Originally from Chardonne, Philippe Verdan is the owner of the restaurant À la Demi-Lune. Together with his team, he will be offering discovery menus with Creole BBQ influences. The wine list will showcase local producers and wines from the Chardonne vineyards.
