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Pianist Cédric Pescia will launch the 2026 edition of Les Musicales d’Epalinges festival with a performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s six French Suites. The recital, scheduled for February 24th, coincides with the release of a novel recording by Pescia, marking a continued deep engagement with the composer’s function that spans decades. Pescia’s connection to Bach began with his debut recording of the Goldberg Variations in 2004, and has since encompassed the complete Well-Tempered Clavier and The Art of Fugue, a work widely considered one of the most challenging in the piano repertoire.
The choice of the French Suites, however, presents an interesting nuance. As Pescia explains, the “French” designation isn’t attributable to Bach himself. “I think the publisher was looking for a formulation to make them a little more appealing,” Pescia said, according to an article in Le Temps. “They contain dances typical of Baroque instrumental suites, such as the Gavotte, Menuet, Bourrée and Loure, but no more French dances than in the collections of English Suites or Partitas. In fact, it’s a mixture of pieces with very diverse origins, with also Italian influences in the Courantes or Irish influences for the Gigues that crown each suite.”
Les Musicales d’Epalinges, now in its fourth year, is presented by the Association Ensemble enScène. The festival program, as detailed on monbillet.ch, extends beyond keyboard works this year to include chamber music performances. Cédric Pescia has curated a program described as “singular and exceptional” for this iteration of the festival.
A Lifelong Dedication to Bach
Pescia’s dedication to Bach is more than just professional; it’s a deeply felt artistic commitment. His discography demonstrates a sustained exploration of the composer’s oeuvre, tackling some of the most technically and intellectually demanding works in the classical piano canon. The upcoming performance of the French Suites, coupled with his new recording, underscores his ongoing relationship with Bach’s music. The festival program also includes performances by Elisabeth Leonskaja on February 25th, featuring works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Brahms, and an homage to Sofia Gubaidulina on February 26th, with performances by Elizaveta Ivanova, Tjasha Gafner, Nurit Stark, and Pescia himself.
Beyond Epalinges: A Full Schedule
Pescia’s 2026 schedule extends beyond Les Musicales d’Epalinges. According to his official website, he is scheduled to perform Bach’s French Suites again on March 21st at La Cité Bleue in Geneva, and at Salle Cortot in Paris on April 16th. He will also participate in a performance of “Le Verbe de Bach, la Musique de la Bible” with Omar Porras at La Cité Bleue in Geneva on May 4th, 5th, and 6th. Further performances include a Schnittke Akademie event in Hamburg on March 28th and a concert at Victoria Hall in Geneva on March 22nd.
The 2026 Les Musicales d’Epalinges festival promises a rich and varied program, with Cédric Pescia’s opening performance setting the stage for a series of compelling musical events. As Pescia continues to delve into the complexities of Bach’s compositions, audiences can anticipate insightful and captivating interpretations of these timeless works.
What comes next for Pescia remains to be seen, but his continued dedication to Bach and his carefully curated concert schedule suggest a vibrant future for this acclaimed pianist. Share your thoughts on Cédric Pescia and his upcoming performances in the comments below.
