Mariana Tobón Almanza holds a Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality and Business and is currently completing her Master's in Project and Finance Development at Vatel Switzerland. Originally from Colombia, her journey brought her to Switzerland in 2021, where she has been combining her international perspective with hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Driven by a passion for people and a love for creating meaningful experiences, Mariana brings both warmth and professionalism to everything she does.
On 29 and 30 August, the Caux Palace Theatre will host a unique artistic event with *Il neige sur le pianiste* ("Snow Falls onto the Pianist"), a reading-concert inspired by the novel by Claudie Hunzinger, winner of the 2022 Prix Femina.
On stage, the great Swiss actress Marthe Keller will bring this sensitive text to life alongside the young virtuoso pianist Arthur Noël, in a production directed by Sandra Gaudin. Together, they will create a dialogue between words and music in an intimate production where two generations of artists come together.
The story tells of the unexpected visit of a famous young pianist to a reclusive novelist living deep in the heart of her forest. From this unlikely encounter emerges a moment suspended in time, a blend of fascination, delicacy and emotion.
Punctuated by works by Bach, Schubert, Bartók and Beethoven, this production promises an immersive experience enhanced by the lighting, the soundscape and the power of the venue.
The very essence of the Caux Palace, this grand hotel turned sanctuary, adds to this weightless, novel-like atmosphere – far more than just a show, it is an invitation to discover Caux in a different light.
Arrive early to enjoy:
⏱ Running time: 75 minutes, no interval
The Caux Palace, recognised as a historic monument of national importance, is a former luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Nestled in the mountains, 1,000 metres above Montreux, it was born of the bold vision of the Vaud-based developer Ami Chessex and the renowned architect Eugène Jost, who also designed the Montreux Palace. When it opened in 1902, the Caux Palace was one of the largest and most prestigious luxury hotels in Switzerland.
An iconic landmark of the region, the Caux Palace is built on an impressive historic retaining wall featuring characteristic arches and a 400-metre-long promenade.
In 1946, the building was purchased by 100 Swiss families who wished to transform it into a meeting place for peace and reconciliation in post-war Europe. This vision laid the foundations for the Caux Palace’s enduring role as a centre for dialogue and confidence-building.
Today, the Caux Palace is owned by the private Swiss Caux Foundation. Its mission is to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the world so that they can engage effectively and innovatively in promoting trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security.
Address: Rue du Panorama 2, 1824 Caux
A tip for your journey by car from Lausanne or Vevey: select the route via Clarens or Montreux Gare on your satnav. The ‘Les Avants’ option is a mountain road that is longer and winding and should be avoided.
🎟 Prices: CHF 40 | CHF 25 for those under 18
🚆 Your ticket includes public transportation on the Riviera for 3 hours before and after the performance.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Bringing together leaders, practitioners and changemakers from diverse sectors and regions, the Opening Ceremony of the Caux Democracy Forum will spark reflection on the state of democracy today and illuminate pathways for renewal.
You will be introduced to the core themes driving the 5-day Caux Democracy Forum and to the journey that continues in Caux, where deeper dialogue, learning and collaboration will unfold throughout the week.
This opening moment is designed to create a vibrant shared space—a chance to reconnect, find inspiration and envision tangible possibilities for democratic transformation.
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MASTER OF CEREMONY:
WELCOME ADDRESS
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WORDS OF WISDOM
"Ethics, responsibility and the future of democracy": A reflective leadership intervention offering long-term political insight
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GLOBAL KEYNOTE PERSPECTIVES
High-level international leaders provide a global overview of democratic governance and human rights challenges.
With musical interludes by Lou Rémy.
With:
This session shifts the focus to the human, cultural, and psychological foundations that sustain democratic life.
Co-Moderators:
PART 1: Youth and Democracy
A conversation with young leaders from around the globe.
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PART 2: Linking Inner and Outer Transformation: Bridging Mindset, Behaviour, Culture, and System Change
An exploration of how sustainability and democracy require transformations across individual and collective beliefs, values, worldviews, and the inner capacities that shape them.
With:
Christine WAMSLER, Professor, Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)
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PART 3: A conversation on participative democracy
An interactive dialogue highlighting citizen engagement and participatory governance models.
With:
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PART 4: Women Revitalising Democracy: Economy, Trustbuilding, and Humanitarian Principles
With:
Women at the heart of democratic economies
This intervention highlights the role of women’s leadership, inclusive economic models, and cross-regional cooperation in strengthening democratic resilience.
Strengthening democracy through Trustbuilding
A focus on how Trustbuilding approaches can foster inclusive societies, rebuild civic trust, and support democratic participation.
Reactivating humanitarian principles: The Geneva Convention’s World Tour
As the Geneva Conventions face growing challenges, this global initiative mobilizes civil society through a symbolic torch journey to raise awareness, strengthen democratic accountability, and reaffirm humanitarian principles and human dignity.
CLOSING REMARKS
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A short coffee break with be offered at the end of the Opening Ceremony.
For participants of the Caux Democracy Forum who have booked:
The bus journey from Geneva to the Caux Palace in buses, departing at 16:45 and 16:55 will be the opportunity, beyond the logistical travel, to connect people in the bus and inform on Caux as part of the International Geneva ecosystem offering a place to step back from daily institutional pressures and engage in deeper conversations on democracy, leadership, and human responsibility.
Please note that the bus transfer is included in bookings for all participants of the 2-Night Caux Experience and the full residential Caux Democracy Forum.
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For those travelling by car: For those arriving from Geneva/Lausanne/Vevey, please make sure to adjust your GPS route passing by « Clarens » or « Montreux Gare ». Do not take the automatic recommendation going by « Les Avants » as this will take you through a longer curvy mountain road and the ride is much longer and complicated.
Free parking spots are available in front of the Caux Palace, near the station or near the tennis court.
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Early arrivals: You can book 1 extra night (arrival Sun 21 June) before the Caux Democracy Forum starts. Your rooms will be available from 14:00 CEST onwards. Should you wish to arrive earlier, you can store your luggage in the reception area. (info for early arrivals)