Did you know that Geneva is home to a cinema organ which, though little-known, is worthy of heritage status for its excellent condition and rich tones. Built by Wurlitzer in 1937 for an English cinema in London, it is one of only five surviving organs from this brand in Europe, outside Great Britain (where cinema organs have been preserved to a much greater extent.)
To ensure it will be well-maintained both now and in the future, admirers of the organ have created an association (Friends of the Collège Claparède Cinema Organ Association), presided over by organists, Nicolas Hafner and Vincent Thévenaz. Since 2014 this association has been organizing an annual organ festival, entitled, "L’orgue fait son cinéma", and which is scheduled to take place this year between 31 March and 8 April, 2017.
80th birthday celebration
For organ enthusiasts this year’s event is a particularly special occasion as the Wurlitzer cinema organ will celebrate its 80th birthday in 2017! Built in the United States in 1937 for the Granada Theater Clapham Junction in London, the organ currently resides at Geneva’s Collège Claparède. Several organists who once played this instrument in London, and who are still alive today, will be special guest performers on two of the most historic and unforgettable evenings of the festival. With ageless humour they will play popular classic tunes from Britain’s recent past. There will also be an opportunity to meet Robert Rowley, who has played a key part in the maintenance of the Wurlitzer organ, and who will both play and host a commentary about the organ during the festival. After opening with organ music that is at once warm, youthful and powerful, the festival will close with a fireworks display on its final evening!
Lausanne HC vs HC Lugano, Friday 24 February, 2017 at 19h45
On Friday 24 February, ice hockey fans in Lausanne will have the chance to see their favorite club play its last game of the regular season before "the playoffs" commence. Currently in 4th position in the NLA (National League A), Lausanne HC is clearly hoping for a big win so "the boys in red" can begin the playoff season in the best possible position.
So, whether you are new to the game and miss being a part of “live” sports action, or you are a long-time supporter of this iconic team, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend a great night out with friends, colleagues or family.
Whatever your reason, don't miss out on the chance to witness Vaud’s premier sports and entertainment club in action! When the team plays at home, the Malley Ice Rink, which sells out for most games, literally vibrates with the emotion and excitement of the cheering fans.
A new ice rink has just opened at the summit of the Salève Téléphérique, 85 years after a similar ice rink was first installed at the exit to the cable car, at an altitude of 1100m.
Measuring 150m2, the ice rink will open to both clients of the cable car (téléphérique) as well as those who have taken alternative routes up the mountain, although the price to hire skates will vary: cable car ticket holders will pay just €3/hour to hire ice skates, whilst non-ticket holders will pay €9. Local residents living at the summit of the Salève at Monnetier-Mornex may also benefit from the preferential rate on presentation of a proof of residency.
Please note that, for reasons of maintenance and safety, only ice skates belonging to the téléphérique will be allowed on the ice rink – the ice rink is made using a synthetic material, which will only support certain types of skates.
Ice skates can be hired from size 26 (equivalent to a child of about 5 years old).
If you're stuck for something to do on a cold or rainy day, the Ville de Genève has just published an 80-page online, downloadable color brochure outlining, in English, each of the main exhibitions taking place in Geneva from January to June 2017.
Covering all the major museums and cultural centers in Geneva, the guide is divided into 6 main categories of interest including: Art and History; World Arts and Cultures; International Geneva; Literature; Nature, Science and Technology; and Art Centres and Exhibition Spaces.
For each of the exhibitions listed, the brochure also includes entry prices (where applicable, most are free), and useful information on how to access the venues via public transport. Contact details and website addresses are also helpful for those who require further details.
With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Natural History Museum in Malagnou and 200 years since the creation of the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the number and range of exhibitions on offer will undoubtedly have increased compared to previous years. So there should be plenty of choice for the whole family!
On the 18 January, a new photographic exhibition with special appeal to both adults and children will open at the Cité du Temps gallery in Geneva.
Called “Microcosmes”, the exhibition will feature the work of Sofiane Samlal, a French photographer known internationally on social media as Samsofy for his unique style of photography, which focuses on the much-loved, small yellow characters found in Lego®!
Using Street Art combined with clever props adapted from local materials and installations, Samsofy produces photographs that deliver a variety of adult messages on topics ranging from humor and poetry to politics. On a purely artistic level, his photos succeed in capturing the imagination of children, are highly creative, and are simply lots of fun to behold!
