 
The Salzburg Easter Festival is among the best-known and most exclusive classical music festivals in the world. Founded in 1967 by Herbert von Karajan, it continues to this
day to fulfill the goals anchored in its original concept to provide a stage for the highest artistic expressions, thanks in large measure to the Festival's collaboration
with the Berlin Philharmonic. Taking up the baton in 2002 as the orchestra's Principal Conductor, Sir Simon Rattle also took over the role of Artistic Director of
the Salzburg Easter Festival.
In addition to its demanding programme and the participation of world-renowned soloists, the special character of the Salzburg Easter Festival lies in the unique opportunity to
experience the Berlin Philharmonic as an operatic orchestra. It is in this role that the orchestra returns each year - for more than four decades now - to take up
its place in the orchestra pit of the commanding Festspielhaus in Salzburg.
The Vontobel Group has been a main sponsor of the Salzburg Easter Festival since 1998.
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Caption: A scene from "Götterdämmerung" by Richard Wagner (© Elisabeth Carrechio)
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"C'est le ton qui fait la musique"
The world of music has much in common with the world of banking - which is why Bank Vontobel has been committed to the Salzburg Easter Festival for the past twelve
years.
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Herbert J. Scheidt, Chief Executive Officer der Vontobel-Gruppe
| | Mr. Scheidt, what is it that links the Vontobel Group with the Salzburg Easter Festival?
We have supported this superb event for several years because we are able to absolutely identify with the vision of the organisers: here you experience the fulfillment of the most
demanding degree of professionalism, precision and innovation. The Festival enjoys an outstanding reputation. Our guests who come to Salzburg always appreciate the
international flair and exclusive ambiance that they experience here.
Why does the Vontobel Group undertake cultural engagements like this?
As asset managers, our core competence is creating added value - for our clients as well as our shareholders. Among our goals and values, we also believe in a responsibility
toward society. Internally, we set great store in cultivating our corporate culture, while outside the bank, we promote artists who enrich society through their
creativity.
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With the Salzburg Easter Festival, we feel a strong bond with our philosophy of concentrating on long-term success. We have great respect for traditions, but we are also
confident in blazing new trails. The reactions of our guests prove that exceptional performance is very much appreciated in the world of music as well as in the world of
banking.
Many financial institutions opt exclusively for sports sponsoring. Why has the Vontobel Group chosen music?
Music possesses the unique power to create bonds between people and to move them - regardless of their language, culture and age. In Salzburg, music lovers
experience a truly exceptional combination of first-class musicians and singers. Great works of music experience new interpretations. Talent, stamina and
enthusiasm are all brought into focus together, leading to outstanding performances on the part of each participant. In our company, we require and promote these
qualities as well. The enthusiastic feedback we receive from our guests confirm to us that with our support for the Salzburg Easter Festival, we have definitely
"struck the right note." And I, too, look forward every year to this exceptional musical
treat.
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