swiss news june 2012

Ugo Rondinone Art Basel Swiss World Heritage Sites Bernina Swiss Economic Forum Sol Gabetta Summer Olympics 2012

NO. 6 JUNE 2012 CHF 7.50

An exciting and eventful month, this June is set to inspire our muse not only with long and bright days, but withbeautiful works of art courtesy of both man and nature. Ahead of the 43rd edition of Art Basel, we speak to Co-Directors Annette Schnholzer and Marc Spiegler about the upcoming event, before having a brief tte--tte withUgo Rondinone, one of Switzerlands most prolific visual artists. In Getaway and Healthy living, we take to thecanvas ourselves to discover our own hidden talents and their magical powers.

Turning our focus away from the visual arts, we meet performing artist Sol Gabetta, an Argentine cellist, who hostsher own festival in Switzerland every summer. Staying on the theme of music, we peek behind the scenes with Britpop band Keane and Greek legend Nana Mouskouri and discover that superstars at any age are never idle.

A historic night tour along St. Alban Vorstadt in Basel accompanied by two actors provides the perfect introductionto a series of walks, which showcase masterpieces of nature paired with human ingenuity. With Swiww ss TrTT arr ils, weventure along ancient waterways in Canton Valais and climb impossibly steep terraced vineyards in Canton Vaud.Having sampled some of the regions best produce, we head to La Gryuer, where another temptation trail awaits,featuring two more Swiss heroes cheese and chocolate. Content and happy, we are ready to settle in front of thetelevision to watch the other two big events unfolding this June from the comfort of our own homes: the LondonSummer Olympics and the Swiss Economic Forum.

We wish you a wonderful June!

Carina ScheuringerEditor

e d i t o r i a l

A

ndy

Sed

don

03

Youre invited!Celebrate 30 years with us, as we toast to life in Switzerland

and thank you, our readers, for your loyalty!

Travel Book Shop, Gisela Treichler, Rindermarkt 20, 8001 Zurich from 6 p.m. 5 July 2012RSVP: [email protected]

Readers night with Sue Style Cosy apro in the heart of Zurichs Old Town Information about travel guides by Gisela Treichler

PUBLISHER Remo Kuhn MANAGING DIRECTOR rs Huebscher EDITOR Carina Scheuringer EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Emily Mawson LAYOUT Nicole Collins SALES & MARKETING JennaAngst-Silverboard, Michael Collins,TeTT l: +41 44 306 47 00 CONTRIBUTORS Angelica Cipullo, Christos & Christos, Brien Donnellon, Mary Krienke,Tsitaliya Mircheva, Deja Rose, MarionWidmer PRINTING MATERIALS [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE SWISS NEWS, Kschenrtistrasse 109, 8052 Zurich,TeTT l: +41 44 306 47 00, Fax: +41 44 306 47 11, [email protected], www.swissnews.ch SUBSCRIPTION RATE One year,rr CHF 60 inside Switzerland; CHF 100 abroad; Single copy CHF 7.7750 DISTRIBUTION & SALES AvAA ailable at major kiosks, OrellFssli, Off The Shelf, and in business class on SWISS International Air Lines flights PRINTED BY Mattenbach AG, Mattenbachstrasse 2, Postfach, 8411 Winterthur SWISS NEWS30th year of publication COPYRIGHT Under the International Copyright Convention, All rights reserved (ISSN 1420-1151) PUBLISHED BY SWISS BUSINESSPRESS SA, 8052 Zurich,www.swissbusinesspress.ch

Vontobel Swiss Wealth Advisors AGTdistrasse 17, CH-8022 Zurich, SwitzerlandTelephone +41 (0)44 287 81 [email protected]

values form the backbone of our approach to Wealth Management. Reliability, attention to detail, thoroughness these are the essential principles that enable us to offer solutions of lasting

Swiss

quality for US clients.

CONTENTSNews 06 The latest news from Switzerland10 questions with... 08 Art Basel Co-Directors

Made in Switzerland 10 Bernina Sew onEntrepreneur special 14 Swiss Economic Forum The power of strengthFinance column 17 Working in Switzerland Part two

Profile 18 Sol Gabetta The enchantressCelebrity interview 22 Ugo Rondinone The ubiquitous Ugo Rondinone

Hotel review 29 Guarda VaVV l Maiensss hideawayDestination Switzerland 30 Connecting two World Heritage Sites Elixirs of lifeGetaway 37 Lodve An artists eyeOff the beaten track 38 Chemin du Gruyre The temptation trail

Healthy living 42 Art therapy Express yourselfFashion column 43 Changing room In Pandoras boxFashion 44 Marc Stone The STONE ageLifestyle special 48 lympic Games 2012 An inspiring generation

Art & culture special 52 Keane Jam session in ZurichA day in the life of... 55 Nana Mouskouri A legend in ZurichInsider 56 The Nightwatchmans Secret One night in BaselWhats on 62 June Highlights around the countryBooks 65 English books at Orell Fssli

Directory 58 Goods and services in SwitzerlandClassifieds 66 Noticeboard

Images from top:Sol Gabetta, Sony Classical/Uwe ArensUgo Rondinone, Kunsthistorisches Museum WienDestination Switzerland, Carina ScheuringerSwiss Economic Forum, Courtesy of Swiss Economic ForumFront cover: Ugo Rondinone, Courtesy of Ugo Rondinone/Christian Grund

18

b u s i n e s s

p e o p l e

t r a v e l

l i f e s t y l e

a r t & c u l t u r e

22

30

14

BaBB saa elee

1 0 q u e s t i o n s w i t h . . . | j u n e

1. To what do you credit the continued success of ArtBasel?Marc Spiegler: Art Basels long and successful history is due tothe high quality of galleries and artworks it attracts year afteryear. For each edition, the worlds leading galleries bring theirbest works, some of which they keep back to be shown here inBasel or commission especially for the show. Major collectorsand museum directors know that they will discover many newthings at each show: new artists, new artworks and newgalleries.

2. How do you differentiate between Art Basel and ArtBasel Miami Beach (Art Basels sister event, launchedten years ago)?

nnette Schnholzer: The two shows have distinct identities,which are strongly influenced by their locations. Art Basel,deeply rooted in the rich cultural background of the city ofBasel, is more traditional and European. At Art Basel MiamiBeach, the culture and lifestyle of Miami Beach reflects a strongLatin American influence, and its tropical flair is particularlypresent outside the halls.

QUESTIONS WITH

By Mary Krienke

More than 60,000 art dealers and collectors, museum directors and curators, media representativesand art enthusiasts from around the world will descend on Basels Messe from 14 to 17 June for the43rd edition of Art Basel. Over 300 galleries from 36 countries will show works by more than 2,500 20th-and 21st-century artists, ranging from the illustrious to the unknown. At the helm of this granddaddyof international art fairs are Co-Directors Annette Schnholzer and Marc Spiegler. Prior to the bigevent, they take time out of their busy schedule to speak to us.

08

09

5. To what extent do economic conditions influence theinternational art market, or does it operate in a worldof its own?Marc Spiegler: Economic conditions naturally influence the artmarket, as we have seen in recent years. In volatile times, wehave seen a return to sustained collection building, rather thanart investment and speculation a refocusing on the quality ofart. Galleries have to put even more effort into theirpresentations, which translates into great stands at the shows.

6. Do you feel that the world has become overloaded bythe increasing number of art fairs?Marc Spiegler: The number of new art fairs taking place aroundthe globe reflects the diversity of the art market, but, of course,not all will succeed.

7. Are art fairs in danger of losing their relevance inthese days of electronic communication?Marc Spiegler: While the Internet has become an important toolto inform potential buyers about what galleries are bringing toshows, art fairs are relevant, because there is nothing likeseeing an art work in reality, speaking face-to-face withgallerists, meeting curators, collectors and artists or attendingtalks and events. YoYY u experience a real buzz during the show, atangible and real emotion. At a time when our world isbecoming increasingly digital, the impact of personal contact iseven stronger.

8. Art Basel is known for its selectivity. How does thevetting process work? How many applicants arerejected each year, on average?Marc Spiegler: On average, we receive about 1,000applications for 300 booths for Art Basel. The Art BaselCommittee, composed of a group of international gallerists, hasthe challenging role of evaluating each proposal submitted.Through exhaustive discussions and adhering to strict criteria,they decide which galleries (including a significant number ofnewcomers, best combine to create a great show).

9. How does Art Basel encourage the participation ofyounger, new galleries?Marc Spiegler: It is very important to introduce new andyounger galleries to Art Basel each year. The sector ArtStatt tements was created especially for younger galleries andallows them to present solo shows by emerging talents. Whilethe gallery sector is stable, there is a high turnover in the ArtFeFF aturerr and Art Statt tements sectors, which make them verydynamic and ensures they are a great space to spot emergingtalent. Although galleries pay a lower rate to participate in ArtStatt tements, they are provided with high-quality exhibitionstands, making the sector very attractive for newer galleries.

10. How did you get involved with Art Basel? Annette Schnholzer: I joined Art Basel Miami Beach as the ShowManager in 2002, which means that I am celebrating 10 yearswith the fair. Before that, I worked in art management positions;for example, as a member of the Program Committee and aCurator of the VIPER International Film, Video, and MultimediaFestival from 1994 to 1998. I also worked for Swiss public andprivate institutions funding the arts and film, and managed theBIOPOLIS exhibit at the Swiss National Exhibition, Expo.02.

Marc Spiegler: I studied political science and journalism in theUnited States and England and worked as a journalist andcolumnist for 15 years for a wide range of publications,including ThTT e Art Newsww paper, Monopol, Art & AuctionMagazine, ArtNewsww , ThTT e Independent, Neue ZZZ rcrr her ZeZZ itung,and New YoYY rkrr Magazine.

3. What are the highlights of the 43rd edition of Art Basel?Annette Schnholzer: Art Unlimii ited, the exhibition platform forprojects that transcend the classical art-show stand, such asvideo projections, large-scale installations, sculptures and liveperformances, will experience a radically new architecturalapproach under its new curator, Gianni Jetzer, Director of theSwiss Institute in New YoYY rk. It will create a dynamic newatmosphere in this vast space, which will enhance the impact ofthe artworks. We are also excited about the third edition of ArtPaPP rcrr oursrr . Presenting site-specific artworks and performancesby renowned artists and emerging talents in historicalneighbourhoods of Basel, this sector has established itself as ahighlight of the fair. Curator Jens Hoffman has selected a broadvariety of international artists, whose works will take over indoorand outdoor spaces of the St. Johann quarter of Basel.

4. It was announced last year that MCH Group, owner ofArt Basel and Art Basel Miami Beach, has purchased a60 per cent stake in the Hong Kong Art Fair, Art HK.When will the Basel brand be applied to this fair? Annette Schnholzer: The first Hong Kong edition of Art Baselwill take place at the Hong Kong Convention and ExhibitionCentre (HKCEC) from 23 to 26 May 2013. This new showaspires to play a central role in creating new bridges betweenthe Western art scene and the rapidly emerging contemporaryart scene throughout Asia.

Courtesy of Art Basel

Art Basel 2012Dates: 14 17 June

Public days: 14 17 June,11 a.m. 7 p.m.

Art Parcours: 13 June, 10 a.m.

midnight; 14 16 June, 11 a.m. 10 p.m.; 17 June,

11 a.m. 7 p.m.Venue: Messe Basel,

Messeplatz, 4005 BaselHall 1: Art Unlimited, Art

Statements, Art BaselConversations, Art Salon

Hall 2: Art Galleries, ArtFeature, Art Edition and Art

MagazinesArt Kids: Free kindergarten

and playroom for childrenaged 3-13

www.artbasel.com

Karl Friedrich Gegauf

Fritz Gegauf

b u s i n e s s | m a d e i n s w i t z e r l a n d

It looks sleek and appealing, is my honest reply. One of ourpriorities besides a good sewing machine is a good-lookingsewing machine, he admits of his endeavours to presentsewing as an attractive, inspirational hobby rather than ahousewifes pastime.

The sewing landscapeAs a trend for handicrafts trickles into society following theglobal popularity of so-called sewing cafes (like an internetcafe, but with sewing machines) and TV shows like Prorr jo ectRunwaww y (in which fashion designers compete to create the bestclothes), Ueltschi has high hopes. BERNINAs (used asshorthand for BERNINA International AG) subsidiaries includeAmerican quilting fabrics manufacturer Benartex Inc. andBrewer Sewing, a company selling sewing supplies. We dont

When Hollywood actress Katherine Heigl was recently spottedwith her newly purchased BERNINA sewing machine, the Swisscompany rejoiced. Their campaigns to encourage creativity andremove sewing from the cupboard of times-gone-by, wheremany people had chucked it along with handwritten letters andpen-and-paper games, had received high-profile recognition.

The biggest challenge this industry faces is not competition. Itsthe image of sewing, says BERNINA International AG ownerand Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hanspeter Ueltschi. Ondisplay in his office are several generations of sewing machines,from the first BERNINA household sewing machine made ofiron and thus very heavy to the latest models with plasticbodies and computerised display screens. Do you like this? heasks, pointing at the recent BERNINA 830.

By Emily Mawson

10

The BERNINA world BERNINA is the sewing

machine brand of the FritzGegauf AG. BERNINA hasformed part of the companyBERNINA International AGsince the beginning of the1990s

BERNINA International AGhas 962 employees andoperations in 50 countries

The BERNINA range includesmachines for sewing,embroidery, overlocking (tosew, cut and neatensimultaneously) and quilting

The BERNINA 830 is one ofthe companys best sewingand embroidery computers,with a speed of over 1,000stitches per minute

Sewing accessories areavailable as well asembroidery and fashionpattern softff ware

Machine dating from 1900

Odette Ueltschi-Gegauf

BERNINA 820

just want to make the best sewing machine. My vision is tocultivate the sewing landscape, he says.

Ueltschi has implemented his entrepreneurial ideas since 1988,when he replaced his mother at the helm of the only family-owned sewing machine company in the world. His list ofachievements includes establishing America as a key market,building a manufacturing outlet in Thailand, expanding into newmarkets (such as Russia and India), and introducing thecomputer age to the business with the artista 180, BERNINAsfirst sewing computer.

This model is a world away from the days of the inauguralsewing machines. In the mid-eighteenth century, Germanengineer Charles Frederic Weisenthal tried to create a machineto propel the sewing needle. His designs facilitated the inventionof the first household sewing machine, reputedly by Americanmechanic Elias Howe in 1846. Meanwhile, at a workshop insmall Swiss town Steckborn in Canton Thurgau, one ofUeltschis ancestors was fashioning the foundations ofBERNINA.

Solid as a rockHe was an engineer and an inventor, says Ueltschi of his great-grandfather Karl Friedrich Gegauf. Gegaufs impressive talentdeveloped during an apprenticeship at an embroidery machinefactory. He subsequently opened a workshop for themanufacture of his own invention monogram embroiderymachines.

The keen-eyed inventors involvement in the textile industry ledhim to a realisation: hemstitching was quite simply laborious. In1893, he created a machine to help the worlds first hemstitchsewing machine. Capable of sewing 100 stitches per minute, themachine caused Gegaufs name to become synonymous withthe mechanical production of hemstitching: the practice wascommonly referred to as gegaufing.

Gegaufs son Fritz took over the business in 1926 and venturedin a new direction. My grandfather wanted to go into the homesewing business, explains Ueltschi. In 1932, Fritz created hisfirst household sewing machine. It bore the brand nameBERNINA inspired by the 4,049-metre Piz Bernina in St.

11

All photos Bernina International AG

Moritz. My grandfather looked at the mountain and said thatssolid, like a rock [ like our sewing machines].

In 1932, the first BERNINA sewing machine was built inSteckborn and BERNINA became the sewing machine brand ofthe Fritz Gegauf AG. By October 1937, 20,000 machines had leftthe factory. In 1945, Fritz introduced the worlds first portablezigzag machine to the market. He expanded the businessinternationally, too. After World War II he started to sellBERNINAs in 10 countries, Ueltschi tells me. I learned a lotfrom him. He was a perfectionist and always put quality first.

A family philosophyThe family tradition continued in 1965 when Ueltschis mother,Odette Ueltschi-Gegauf, took to the helm. Under her management,knee-activated presser foot lifters, electric foot controls andmachines with stitch memoryrr ,y stretch-stitch and computerisedbuttonhole functions were created. However, being a successfulfemale company owner in the 1960s was not Odettes onlyremarkable feat. My mother was the first woman to appear on thecover ofBiBB lii all nznn [Swiss businessmagazine], Ueltschi says with pride.

Now owned by the fourth generation in the Gegauf line,BERNINA International AG honours a philosophy defined by itssecond generation: when you give, you get back. Ueltschisdeclaration that the company does not exploit employees needsno proof. One member of staff has a cheerful workspace with somany plants that it looks like a corner of Londons Kew Gardens.Their longest-serving employee has just celebrated his 50th yearof loyalty.

Sewing is believingPerhaps enhancing the happy atmosphere are BERNINAspicturesque Steckborn headquarters. The company namestands out in bright red letters from the roof of the factory thatslumbers beside Lake Constance. That the factory is in thesame location as it has been since 1932 does not make it oldfashioned.

A bust of Fritz Gegauf welcomes visitors. Hand-sewn cushionssplash prettiness across the furniture. In the factorys CreativeCentre where customers can experience the product rangeand take courses in sewing are myriad colours with rows of

12

A vintage advertThe BERNINA balloon above the Alps

Inside the Steckborn factory in the fifties

13

bright bobbins and displays highlighting what you can make withyour BERNINA. The cheerful layout is mimicked in BERNINAshops (including the stylish flagship store in Zurich, whichopened last year).

One display honours Swiss-Japanese fashion designer KazuHuggler, who will help BERNINA launch a new product thisautumn. Currently top secret, it is a product that Huggler hopeswill help others find the joy of creativity. She has used aBERNINA since she was a child. They [indirectly] enabled meto set up my label, she says.

In December 2011, BERNINA assisted Huggler with a project tosupport teenagers at the tsunami-destroyed TaTT kata High Schoolin Japan. Huggler says, I sewed at that age and I thought thatmaybe I can give [these children] some moments of joy.BERNINA donated five BERNINA 330s to this end. Part ofbusiness is also giving goodwill, adds Ueltschi.

Stitching the futureThis year, BERNINA will celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Zurich flagshipstore The BERNINA factory in Steckborn

Certainly, the companys longevity is hardly surprising. Themachines are good quality Ueltschi shows me a machinewith a clear plastic body that reveals its intricate, metalintestines. They are also long lasting. ToTT day spare parts arestill available for machines that were built in the 60s and 70s.Meanwhile, in developing new machines, innovation is integralto company culture. BERNINA were named Best Innovator in2007 by A.T. Kearney and Bilii all nz magazine. We have goodengineers, who have the freedom to innovate, explainsUeltschi.

Although the strength of the Swiss Franc is a hurdle, Ueltschihas great aspirations for the future of the company. The fifthgeneration should be secured, he says, hinting at his ambitionsfor his two children. I hope BERNINA will be a successful,private company for another 100 years.

He adds that he hopes I will be a BERNINA sewing machineowner soon. Sadly there is no freebie in my press pack but asI leave, with a copy of the companys InII sps irii arr titt oii n magazinecontaining craft ideas, perhaps I could be tempted.

InformationBERNINA machines start atCHF 1,000 and come with afour-year guarantee. Cheapermodels are available in thebernette rangewww.bernina.com

Shopping tipBERNINA ZrichTaTT lacker 358001 ZrichT 044 221 00 44

Save the dateFashion meets storytellingLearn more about KazuHugglers creationsWhere: KAKK ZA U AtAA elier,Neptunstr. 2, ZurichWhen: 23 June, 16:00-18:00RSVP:[email protected]

An advert for the new BERNINA 530 Hanspeter Ueltschi with his family

A SPECIAL MOMENT OF RARE BEAUTY.

THE NEW BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUP.

he newBMW 6W SeriesGran Coup

www.bmw.chSheer

Driving Pleasure

%% " !'&*&'"%'%!',(&,"(%/%&' #&"'!*%&%!"(#- !)%,&(&$(!'&'!/%&'"(%""%"(#-!.&&'"%,& '#"#*")(' '!&!'#%'" !'"!"%)"('"!%,&!(!" #%" &!"%'!&&!+(&)! ' #%&&&*''/!&' '%&!'!'%"%!#"*%(*!"*%(%"!!*&&'%!, /!'+#%!#%'"!"%(%'%!"% '"!#&"!'',"(%"%"%)&'www.bmw.ch

Nana Mouskouri

Informationwww.nanamouskouri.net

Weisse Rosen aus Athen (White Roses from Athens), was the hit single that catapultedNana Mouskouri to international stardom in thee early 1960s, earning the Greeksinger her first Goldene Schallpll latte (gold reccord sales certification). Fivedecades down the line, the artist with the traademark oversized, black-rimmed glasses, has sold over 200 million records worldwide andcontinues to capture hearts around the globe wwith her varied musicalofferings.

In 2008, after a four-year farewell tour, 74-yeear-old Mouskouriturned her back on the stage to realise a lifelongg dream to singher favourite songs with people close to her heart. The resultwas duet-album Nana & FrFF iends: Rendez-VVoVV us, featuringsongs by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen andd Paul Simon(amongst others) and performed with big names such asJulio Iglesias as well as lifetime friend Alain Delon andMouskouris daughter Lenou. Light and multi--faceted, thealbum is a personal confession of love. It cconnects myfriends, family and I with music. I am really gglad I couldmake this album, she says.

As part of her Jubilee-ToTT ur, 50 YeYY arsr of WWhWW ite Roses,Mouskouri toured her chosen home Switzerlaand in Aprilshortly after the release of the new album. WWe took theopportunity to meet up with the artist in Zurichh to catch aglimpse of her life.

On tour in ZurichI am doing very well, thank you for asking, thee great NanaMouskouri welcomes us with a smile. ToTT celebraate the 50th

anniversary of Weisse Rosen aus Athen, westarted on a small jubilee tour a few days ago innthose countries where I was first successful Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I am reallyexcited to have my daughter Lenou join me. Amum who is a singer dreams of her daughter ttobecome one too

It has been rather hectic day. The singer and heer crew have just arrived from Frankfurt, where they played a concert the previousnight. It was a long journey for all of us, shee says thoughtfully. But there is no time for rest. When we arrived in Zurich thismorning, we went straight to the hotel and theen met for rehearsals at Zrich Konggresshaus. The concert is at 8 oclock thisevening.

This doesnt leave much room for exploits of the city, she agrees, but luckily, I already know Zurich very well. I used to spend alot of time here. But it has been a long time since I last visited and I am really excited to be back. A lot of my friends will beattending the concert tonight and this is something I really look forward to.

ToTT morrow, the journey continues to Berlin, then Erfurt and Vienna. At the end, Mouskouri will have covered 16 venues in threecountries in the space of just over three weeks. After the tour, I am going to spend some time at home in Geneva, where I havelived since 1965. I will make new plans something international and I will spend some time in the United Kingdom. In thesummer, I hope to take a holiday in Greece as I do nearly every year. I am very happy here in Switzerland, but I also have familyin Greece who I miss and I miss the islands.

But for now, its back to show business for Mouskouri and she apologises to have to say her good-byes and get back to rehearsals.Does she have one last message for her Swiss fans? I am really happy to be able to share my music with them and I hope itgives them as much pleasure as it does me, she says modestly.

By Christos & Christos, translation by Carina Scheuringer

A day in the life of...

a r t & c u l t u r e | a d a y i n t h e l i f e o f

C

ourt

esy

ofN

ana

Mou

skou

ri

55

a r t & c u l t u r e | i n s i d e r

far back. In 1417, the Fire of Basel destroyed almost all thecitys then-wooden architecture.

A simple man, the nightwatchman may be uneducated, but hehas gleaned facts about the area from eavesdropping ongentlemens conversations. He delivers his endearingly bumblingknowledge authoritatively and with plenty of imagination hepeppers history with innocent musings of his own.

Then, there are his fantastical longings for a lady of the upperclass: Helena Hoffmann, the beautiful wife of a wealthy cavalryofficer. Her husband is presently serving in the Prussian armyand she is bored. Rudolf has often seen her on his rounds andwhispers to us now theatrically, hand over mouth that hethinks she has taken a fancy to him. But the pair mismatchedin social standing makes for a Romeo and Juliet.

A hopeless love storyJust as we seem to have accompanied Alice through thelooking glass and entered another world and time, Rudolffrowns and curses the days before dog dirt sacks. It is a parallelwith the modern world that throws us out of our time capsuleand back into reality. Here, we meet the man behind thecostume. When creating the character of Rudolf, I kept

One night in

This looks like an unauthorised assembly, cries thenightwatchman as he swoops black cape, tricorn hat and all upon the small crowd that has gathered beside BaselsZsZZ chokkkk e Brunnen. The three ages of man portrayed by thefountains proud bronze sculptures retreat into the indigo hazeof twilight, as the nightwatchmans lamp illuminates the basin.He holds the lamp up to inspect each of our faces in turn,silently. Questions are fired, wrists slapped it is unlawful tobe out after dark without a lamp, as we are. Although he is thestrong arm of the law, his glare quickly retreats. Suitablysatisfied that he can trust us, he introduces himself as RudolfStreif, and requests our company on his rounds this evening.

The strong arm of the lawA Dickensian character lost out of time, Rudolf dodgeshorseless carriages as he leads us into St. Alban-VoVV rsr tatt dt.Higgledy-piggledy houses line the street, rising to varyingheights and uneven, sloping rooftops. Traditional street lampsenhance the tumbledown elegance of 16th century Haus zumHohen Dolder. Behind an open shutter on another building is anantique wooden-beamed ceiling.

Rudolf tells us that the history of the area began in 1083 with thefounding of the St. Alban Monastery yet few houses date that

BaB saa eleeBy Emily Mawson

57

AAllll pphhoottooss CCaarriinnaa SScchheeuurriinnggeerr

pantomime in mind, explains actor Michael Clarke. Inpantomime you jump between times and dont follow logic.

Pantomimic entertainment is certainly a part of ThTT eNigi htwaww tchmans Secrerr t, an English-language guided tourhosted by ThTT eater am WeWW g in conjunction with Basel ToTT urism.Entertained by Rudolfs rhymes and songs, we are swiftly throwninto the 18th century as street lanterns cast a ghostly sheenacross a lady in an elaborate gown. Rudolf begs us to continuealone and we laugh as he runs away to hide from his Helena.

Thinking herself alone, the lady muses and complains, offeringfutile excuses for breaking the rules of her social class by beingout alone at night. Actress Brigitta Laube, who brings theextraordinary and unconventional character to life, offers adifferent explanation: She likes the atmosphere of places,where she can get in touch with nature. Feeling the fresh airallows her to get away from her boring life.

Helena dances in and out of the story, playing a game ofkeeping up appearances with Rudolf. As our route descendsthe pretty St. Alban TaTT l, she perches by a fountain here anddescends a stone stairwell there. Isnt she lovely? asks Rudolfrhetorically. Known as Little Venice, this area is characterised

by slender waterways that creep between the buildings andglow in ethereal moonlight. We pass sights such as St. AlbanChurch a hulk of a building at the end of a tree-lined path,which occupies the site of the former monastery.

Happily ever after?udolf derives pleasure interacting with the audience as he

shows us false roman numerals, explains the importance ofindustry here in the Middle Ages and tells us why one paper mill still in use today was built following a 13-year meeting. Welisten with intrigue as he reveals why only one section of theancient city wall still remains and offers theories gruesome andjolly alike about who St. Alban was.

For those who live in Basel, the tour and its authentic charactersoffer the chance to revisit familiar areas and learn their stories.For tourists, it is an intriguing way to discover a new citysmillennia of history from the ice age to the present day.

An imposing cuboid with a pointed roof and arched entrance,13th-century city gate St. Alban-ToTT r is a dramatic backdrop forHelena and Rudolf to happen upon each other one last time. Butdo they find love in the end? YoYY ull just have to join Rudolf on hisrounds to find out.

Good to knowThe Nightwatchmans Secret

tour lasts 75 minutesDates: 22 & 29 August

at 9 p.m.; further dates to beconfirmed (book through

Basel Tourism)The tour can also be booked

for private groups

www.theater-am-weg.chwww.basel.com

66

Slash Amy Macdonald Swiss Festivals Martina Hingis Photography workshop Lakes & picnic spots

Counselling in EnglishIndividual and couple counsellingin Zurich. Relationshipcommunication; sex and sexuality;general mental health; transitionand integration issues. Eveningappointments available.

Mac Bischof-Campbell, MA, MHPPsychologist FSP078 829 87 81www.bischof-campbell.com

Swiss NewsKschenrtistrasse 1098052 [email protected]

Rates: CHF 2.00 per word, plusCHF 10 if a PPPO. Box is required.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Courtesy of Slash

Coming upin July/yy A// ugust

Othon de GrandsonAn extremely well-produced bookdescribing the Life and Times ofthis thirteenth century Knight,close friend of Edward 1 entitledCastles in Distant Lands byRobert Dean.

www.lawdenhaynes.com/grandson

swiss-image.ch/Remy Steinegger Universal Music

Painting lessonsPainting lessons with Hui-Ling, thewell-known artist who paints thepositive and the beautiful.Convenient location, flexible hoursand reasonable fees. Numerousstudents have been coached tobecome accomplished artists

Hui-Ling Mavroidis044 724 [email protected]

Find Swiww ss Newsww on Facebook and discover all the latest in Swiss lifestyle, business and current affairs under Swiss News Magazine

05.05. 15.07.2012Swiss Press Photo 12Landesmuseum Zrich.Museumstrasse 2 | 8001 [email protected]

Tue Sun 10 am 5pm | Thu 10 am 7 pmOpen on public holidaysAdults CHF 10. | Red. 8. Children up to 16 years are free of charge

swiss news june 2012

Documents

swiss icon

edition of art basel

swiss heroes cheese

christos christos

zurich hangl samnaun

verbier kurz zurich

art courtesy

sensuous watch