Rowan’s concert at the Château de la Roche

‘Rowan’ is the name of the European rowan tree. In Celtic tradition, this plant symbolises strength and vitality.

It is this strength and vitality that the Rowan ensemble – comprising Lara Wedekind, Vincent Millioud, Valentin von Fischer and Cyprien Rochat – carries forward, blending ancient pieces from the Celtic-influenced Nordic tradition with the spontaneity of contemporary music. Lara Wedekind’s clear, warm voice transports the audience into tales of days gone by, as well as more contemporary adventures.

Lara is accompanied by the dynamic playing of violinist Vincent Millioud, guitarist Cyprien Rochat and double bassist Valentin von Fischer. Together, the four musicians give rise to new sounds, their infectious joy in playing at times intense, at times dreamlike.

Their debut album, *Picking Berries*, released in 2025, consists of traditional pieces interspersed with more contemporary harmonies and improvisations. Drawing on this rich repertoire, the four musicians set off on a tour in the summer of 2025, travelling through Latvia, Estonia and Switzerland.