AUDEMARS PIGUET AND THE MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL CELEBRATED

THE CLOSING NIGHT 

OF THE FESTIVAL’S 53RD EDITION ALONGSIDE QUINCY JONES

Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet and the Montreux Jazz Festival celebrated the closing night of the Festival’s 53rd edition on July 13, 2019—a co-organised event starring legendary Quincy Jones, godfather of the Montreux Jazz Festival and long-lasting friend of the brand. The closing party was the perfect occasion to officially celebrate the Global partnership between the two entities, which extends their ongoing collaboration begun in 2010 with the Montreux Jazz Digital Project.

The celebration started with Quincy Jones’ concert, Soundtrack of the 80s. A line-up of seven artists had gathered at the Stravinski Hall to play some of the most popular hits composed, produced or arranged by Quincy Jones in the 1980s. Jon Batiste, -M- (Matthieu Chedid), Gareth Daley, Lauren Jauregui, Ibrahim Maalouf, Jonah Nilsson and Sheléa were accompanied on stage by the Sinfonietta de Lausanne, directed by John Clayton and Jules Buckley. 

After the concert, François-Henry Bennahmias, Audemars Piguet’s Chief Executive Officer, joined the closing party held at the Belvédère, where artists gather after concerts, along with more than 150 guests. 

During their joined discourse, Mathieu Jaton, Chief Executive Officer of the Montreux Jazz Festival, and François-Henry Bennahmias unveiled Quincy Jones’ life-sized statue created by Italian sculptor Marco Zeno. This new bronze sculpture will replace the artist’s existing bust in the Fairmont Montreux Palace’s garden. This statue honours Quincy Jones’ commitment to the world of music and role as godfather of the Montreux Jazz Festival. 

It was also the opportunity to celebrate the long-lasting friendship between Audemars Piguet and the producer. In 2009, the Manufacture presented the Millenary Quincy Jones Limited Edition, a watch epitomising their larger collaboration on Project Q, which raised awareness on young people’s need for self-expression.

The closing night proceeded with an incredible jam session on the stage of la Coupole, next to the Belvédère. Many of the artists present, including Jon Batiste, -M- (Matthieu Chedid), Gareth Daley, Lauren Jauregui, Ibrahim Maalouf, Jonah Nilsson and Sheléa joined the stage for a unique performance. Open to the general public, this improvised concert blew away hundreds of spectators. The party continued till dawn at the Belvédère with DJ Ariel Wizman. 

This shared event symbolises the beginning of a new musical adventure for Audemars Piguet as Global Partner of the Montreux Jazz Festival and beyond.

For Mathieu Jaton, the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Manufacture share common values: “Craftsmanship, character and connection are at the heart of the Montreux Jazz Festival’s philosophy. These three Cs unite us to Audemars Piguet, whose craftsmanship and unique character bring about exceptional encounters and connections.”

François-Henry Bennahmias is equally excited to be part of the Montreux Jazz Festival family: “Music creates unique emotions and brings people together. We see that happening at the Montreux Jazz Festival where artists and audience gather to celebrate a shared passion. This family spirit is at the core of all that we do at Audemars Piguet. We are delighted to count the Montreux Jazz Festival among our partners.” 

More to come in 2020. Stay tuned.