This year's theme of Letters from Switzerland to Valposchiavo is One, two, three… Star! a title that recalls childhood games, a symbol of interaction and collaboration, a perfect parallel for the literary world, where writers and readers meet on common ground, through narratives that reflect different strategies and approaches. The festival offers a rich program of cultural events, workshops and activities for children, as well as giving space to book presentations, concerts and artistic performances. Literature enthusiasts and professionals will be able to participate in an intense weekend of meetings with authors and artists from the different linguistic regions of Switzerland, in an atmosphere of intercultural exchange and creativity.
A weekend dedicated to culture
The 2024 edition opens on Friday, October 4th with a double event: a performance by Olimpia De Girolamo for RSI Rete Due's "Vulcano," followed by a concert by Kety Fusco , an experimental harpist recognized for her innovative approach to classical and contemporary music. Both events promise to offer an evocative and engaging introduction to the festival, bridging the gap between music and literature.
On Saturday 5th October, the programme gets into full swing with the world premiere of The Book of Return by
Philippe Rahmy, a leading writer on the Swiss literary scene, who passed away in 2017. The presentation will be enriched by an exhibition of photographs of the author, offering a unique perspective on his work.
Guests and appointments
The list of guests of the fourth edition is particularly large and of high level. Among the writers and poets who will participate, there will be Yari Bernasconi, Fabio Pusterla, Lou Lepori, Raluca Antonescu, Max Zenari, Thilo Krause, Ruth Gantert, Asa Hendry, Luciana Cisbani, Monica Pavani, Flurina Badel, Bettina Vital, Olympia De Girolamo, Juliana Altamura, Simone Lappert, Lucie Tardin, Blaise Hofmann, Jessica Zuan e Massimiliano Zampetti.
On Saturday 5th October, the day will continue with a series of dialogues between authors: Fabio Pusterla e Yari Bernasconi, Followed by Lou Lepori e Raluca Antonescu, who will discuss their works and the challenges of the writing profession. In the afternoon, the program includes a comparison between Max Zenari e Thilo Krause, and an appointment with the magazine Viceversa Literature, submitted by Ruth Gantert with the participation of Asa Hendry e Olympia De Girolamo.
The evening will conclude with a performance by Flurina Badel , writer and visual artist, who will present a work focused on the theme of ecology, supported by Bettina Vital , translator and literary curator.
Sunday and the tribute to Philippe Rahmy
On Sunday, October 6th, the festival will continue with more author talks. Among the most anticipated is the conversation between Olimpia De Girolamo and Giuliana Altamura , who will explore their respective works and the creative journeys they share.
In the afternoon, Lucie Tardin will be in conversation with Blaise Hofmann , author of numerous novels and travel journals, who will offer a fascinating perspective on travel literature and writing as an exploration of the world and of oneself.
The edition will close with a meeting dedicated to the Grigione Literary Award, which this year goes to Jessica Zuan, one of the emerging voices of Romansh literature.
A festival open to all
Letters from Switzerland to Valposchiavo confirms itself as an event capable of combining tradition and innovation, offering a platform for established and emerging authors to express themselves and meet their audience. The collateral activities, including workshops and initiatives dedicated to children, make the festival an unmissable opportunity for families too, ensuring a transversal involvement that embraces all age groups.
For more details on the full program, visit the festival's official website: Letters from Switzerland to Valposchiavo.
