Where did the idea for this new festival come from, and what role do you hope it will play in Verbier’s cultural life?
Mathieu: This festival was born from a deep attachment to Verbier and its region. Along with Eric Cachart, we wanted to contribute to the cultural momentum currently taking place in the resort by creating a unique event, open to a wide audience.
Film music has always held a special place in my journey: it’s a genre that speaks to everyone, that crosses generations, and that stirs immediate, almost universal emotion. It’s that emotional power that we wanted to celebrate through this festival—by combining it with the high standards of live concert performance and the magic of the big screen.
Why did you choose to bring these two art forms together? Is there a common thread or guiding vision behind the programming?
Mathieu: Bringing music and cinema together allows us to touch the audience’s heart in a direct and universal way. When these two languages interact, they open up an emotional space of incredible richness.
Our guiding thread is clear: telling stories, evoking emotion, and (re)discovering the power of music performed live alongside iconic images.
What role does the local community play in your project?
Caline: The local community has always been essential to me—first as Director of Operations at the Verbier Festival, and now through Verbier Musique & Cinéma.
It was clear from the very first edition that this new event was warmly welcomed by the residents, local businesses, and institutions. The support of the APCAV is a concrete and especially valuable example of that.
Our aim is to firmly anchor the festival in the vibrant fabric of the resort and the Val de Bagnes, by building strong ties with cultural, tourism, and economic stakeholders in the region.
Can you give us a sneak peek of the artists, films, or highlights the audience can expect this year?
Mathieu: This second edition promises to be rich in emotion, with a program that showcases the evocative power of film music. The audience will be able to rediscover masterpieces such as Gladiator, Amadeus, and Cinema Paradiso, performed live by an orchestra for a fully immersive experience where music meets image.
Another evening will take the audience on a journey through the world of jazz in cinema, featuring iconic excerpts from films like Elevator to the Gallows, La La Land, and The Pink Panther.
Beyond the concerts, we also want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a gourmet counter open before and after the performances to extend the experience in a spirit of togetherness.
Caline, you co-lead this festival with your husband, conductor Mathieu Herzog. How do you divide responsibilities, and how do your respective experiences complement each other?
We share a common vision for the project, but our approaches are complementary. We work in constant dialogue, with great trust, which allows us to move forward quickly and coherently. It’s a couple’s adventure, but also a team effort—we’re surrounded by passionate collaborators who deeply believe in what we’re building.
What would you like to say to APCAV members and the residents of Verbier and the Val de Bagnes to encourage them to attend?
Caline & Mathieu: We’d like to tell them that this festival was designed with them in mind—for families, music lovers, film enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience a powerful, festive, and elegant moment at the heart of summer. The concerts take place both at the Verbier Cinema and at the Salle Saint-Marc (for now!). There will also be a gourmet counter run by Le Chalet d’Adrien, open before and after the concerts to prolong the experience.
Verbier, August 2025