Insider Look
Dive in with (e)me
Keeping up with the Fondation EME
Insider Look
Dive in with (e)me
Keeping up with the Fondation EME
At the Fondation EME, music isn’t just something you listen to – it’s something you share. Over the past year, the foundation has been busy bringing people together through inclusive projects that cross borders, backgrounds and life experiences, all while making music and art more accessible to those who don’t always get a seat in the concert hall. Here we catch up on the latest news!
One of the standout moments before the summer was pOpera.
Guided by the belief that music can transcend cultural boundaries and languages, Fondation EME’s flagship community opera brought together refugees, locals, amateurs and professionals on one stage. Together, they reimagined the romantic yet tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, giving it a fresh theatrical and musical twist – and concertgoers in the packed Grand Auditorium were given instructions in their booklets to sing along!
«This opera brings together so many people with different backgrounds, so many cultures, religions, problems, and victories,» says Sarah Bergdoll, Senior Manager of EME. «What we created on stage is not only a reminder of 4 years of hard work and workshops, but a clear reflection that when people come together through music, the world can be a better place.»
One comment from a young participant particularly stayed with her: «If we could take a picture of all of us and show the world, people would say that this isn’t possible.»
And indeed, after four years, the project continues to surprise even those closest to it. «It's always really amazing how professionals and non-professionals come on stage together, how opera singers influence the quality of the amateur choir, just by singing. How every single one gives their absolute best on stage during rehearsals and the performance to make this an unforgettable show.» It’s precisely this shared commitment – visible in every rehearsal and note – that gives pOpera its unique energy.
The opera was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel.
Writing songs and seeing concerts
The months ahead continue in the same spirit of openness and exchange. This autumn, the Fondation EME will organise a songwriting bootcamp in French in collaboration with ASTI, encouraging young people to find their voice through music.
At the same time, groups will be invited to the Philharmonie for concert visits that go beyond simply attending. With guided tours and preparation beforehand, participants can step into the experience with confidence, knowing what to expect and how to engage. This way, something that might feel intimidating becomes welcoming and inspiring.
Another longer-term project will bring composers and singer-songwriters together with different communities to create lullabies, developed over several years.
Dive in with (e)me
Every month, the Fondation EME invites a special guest to talk about their relationship with music as part of a 20-minute-long podcast interview. Musicians, social entrepreneurs, members of various minority groups… Since the show launched in 2023, many voices have joined Sarah to tell their stories – and we can’t wait to hear more!
In fact, the latest episode of the show is now available to listen to on Radio ARA. You can also mark your calendars for the next ones, which are due to air on Radio ARA at the following dates:
- 16.10.26
- 20.11.26
- 18.12.26
