«For me, the Baloise Session is part of life – like FC Basel or a good concert.»
With this sentence, André Wyss, the new president of the «Friends of the Baloise Session» association, sums up what drives many members of his organisation to get involved in the festival: a deep connection to music, to the city of Basel – and to the unique music festival that has been bringing world stars to the stage for decades and delighting audiences with intimate, unforgettable concert moments in a club table atmosphere by candlelight.
What many people don't know: Behind the illustrious names of the high-calibre line-up are people who prefer to remain in the background and yet are indispensable. The «Friends of the Baloise Session» support the festival every year with significant financial contributions – not out of prestige, but out of honest conviction. «We don't just give money – we enable emotions,» says Bruno Dallo, who is now handing over the presidency of the «Friends of the Baloise Session» association to André Wyss after 13 successful and eventful years.
In an interview with journalist Zeno van Essel in the «Backline Blog», the two business leaders talk about the subtle difference between commercial sponsorship and private cultural promotion, about the magic of a Foreigner concert in a seated position - and about how to attract new, younger music lovers to get involved in the Baloise Session in order to continue to make Basel resound.
In addition, the legendary Basel aviation pioneer Moritz Suter reveals in a personal statement how he founded the «Friends of the Baloise Session» association 23 years ago and what he still appreciates about the Baloise Session today.