Verbier Festival 2013 in pictures
Celebrating its 20th anniversary between 19 July and 4 August, the Verbier Festival is one of the highlights of the European musical calendar. We couldn't resist sending Anne-Marie Minhall, armed with a camera, to investigate what makes the event and the location so special.
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1. What to expect at the Verbier Festival
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, walks in the Alps, world-class orchestral performances, and spectacular views of the Swiss Alps - just a few of the highlights of the 2013 Verbier Festival. It's an international celebration of music, which takes place in late July and early August.
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2. The Swiss Alps at the Verbier Festival
It's as much about the music as it is the surroundings - the festival allows musicians to devote themselves to chamber music in this spectacular environment.
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3. The Verbier Festival programme
The idea's simple - musicians from across the world arrive in Verbier for the two week duration, performing together and enjoying the incredible scenery. Since its launch in 1994, the festival has attracted superstars including Lang Lang, Mischa Maisky, and Martha Argerich.
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4. Outdoor performances at Verbier Festival
The festival began in 1994, founded by Swedish expatriate Martin T. Son Engström. The 2013 festival is the 20th anniversary, complete with 60 concerts performed by 500 musicians.
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5. Outdoor performances at Verbier Festival
As well as the soloists, there's also a Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra and a larger Festival Orchestra, who perform a diverse range of classical music.
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6. Verbier Festival
A long day of rehearsals ahead for the orchestra, conducted by none other than Valery Gergiev. He's conducting a special opera gala celebrating the anniversaries of Verdi and Wagner this year.
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7. Verbier Festival library
A quaint library in the Swiss Alps, at the heart of the Verbier Festival.
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8. Skiing in Verbier
Many top skiers have settled in the Verbier area in order to take advantage of trips aboard the mountain railways in the area - and the annual music festival, of course.
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9. Piano music
This year's festival sees a celebration of piano music, with performers including Hélène Grimaud, Yuja Wang, and Jan Lisiecki descending on Verbier for the 17 day festival.
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10. The view from the skies at Verbier Festival
It might be home to some of the world's best musicians for almost three weeks, but Verbier is actually a pretty small venue. Just under 3000 people live there full time, but the population can increase to more than 30,000 in winter.
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11. The Alps at Verbier Festival
As well as the opportunities for walking and sight-seeing, there is also a Verbier Festival Music Camp, offering young artists the chance to learn with the best in the business.
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12. An orchestral score at the Verbier Festival
Celebrating Wagner's 200th anniversary this year, Bryn Terfel and Eva-Maria Westbroek performed in Die Walkure.
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13. Backstage at the Verbier Festival
The instruments wait backstage at the festival in preparation for 60 concerts over 17 days.
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14. Outdoor performances at Verbier Festival
Music lovers enjoy a spot of outdoor music - with the breathtaking views of the Alps in the background.
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15. Verbier Festival
A stunning view as the sun sets over another day of music at the Verbier Festival, with a huge variety of music including Bach, Berg, Mozart and Messiaen.
