The La Côte “personality of the year” Award
At the end of last year, the local newspaper La Côte decided to host a competition to elect the most influential personality of the year in the la Côte region. This competition was part of the newspaper’s aim to establish its role as an important player on the local scene. The final round of the competition was narrowed down to five people – see below. Readers were invited to vote for their favourite “personnalité de La Côte 2012”.
Sport, Politics and Music
The finalists selected by La Côte readers come from various sections of society and regions, from Morges, Jura, Nyon and Gingins.
Ellen Sprunger – Olympic Athlete living in Gingins
Youngest of the lot, and probably the one with the most international exposure is Gingin’s own Olympic champion, 26 year old heptathlete Ellen Sprunger. She won the title of “feminine athlete of the year 2012”, and competed in the London Olympics last summer, where she finished 19th. Alongside her athletic achievements, she is also studying for a Masters degree in sports.
Benjamin Zumstein – Music promoter
The next finalist is Benjamin Zumstein, whom Living in Nyon readers might recognise as the owner of La Parenthèse (see here for article on La Parenthèse), the music venue in the centre of Nyon. Benjamin Zumstein lives a double life: financial investment counsellor by day, he becomes the programmer of La Parenthèse by night, turning Nyon into an important place on the musical scene, helping discover rising bands- many of which then go on to play at the Paléo Festival.
Nurria Gorrite, Yves Defferard and André Rosé – from the political scene
The next two finalists share in common their socially committed political engagement- even though not on the same level.
Nurria Gorrite, ex-”syndique” (the Swiss equivalent to a mayor) of Morges, is now a member of the Conseil d’Etat. From a working-class background, she continues to fight for the development of the region, especially when it comes to public transport.
Yves Defferard is something of a local hero in the events that took place last year when Novartis decided to close down its factory in Nyon. Trade unionist for Unia- one of the big Swiss trade unions- he was one of the people who managed to make Novartis backtrack and stay in the area. Passionate about travelling-as a way of opening up to different cultures and sensibilities, he is also part of Amnesty International.
Last but not least, André Rosé. Employee of Nyon municipality for 16 years, this ex-swimmer has always been extremely involved in organising all of the sports events- one of his nicknames is “Monsieur Manifestation”- ie “Mr Event”. Impossible to name all of the events he helped organise over the last few years; he was in charge of the big screen on the lakeside during the Euro 2008, he helped organise the first Fête de la Vigne in 2011 and many other events, such as the Swiss wrestling competition in 2001, or the numerous events at the Stade Nyonais and the Nyon Triathlon.
A joint victory
The awards ceremony was held at the Usine à Gaz- another important venue on the local scene, with a host of local personalities, and a series of concerts by local bands. Appreciated for their commitment to their respective towns and region by the readers of La Côte, Nurria Gorite and André Rosé were jointly elected Personality of La Côte 2012, with a shared total of 370 voices, thus linking Morges and Nyon ever closer. Quite a coup for the first instalment of what looks ready to become a new tradition in the area! Benjamin Zumstein also received a prize from the Commercial School of Nyon.
Les Hivernales- Nyon’s Newest Music Festival
Nyon deserves its title of the “Town of Festivals”, and in the past four years has added another to its list – “Les Hivernales”. Thsi festival is spread out throughout Nyon in several different venues, and shakes the hibernating city out of its stupor for a week of frenzy and dancing through the night. Dedicated to the electro-rock universe (and its multiple and expanding sub-genres), the festival presents big headlines in its two main venues, the Usine à Gaz and the Salle Communale. But its success is due to the conviviality and proximity with the artists you can get in the multitude of satellite venues across town. From the Villa Niedermeyer on the lakeside to La Parenthèse, there are more than 9 different venues in which you can discover a rich line up of electro and rock bands.
This year, Puppetmastaz, Naïve New Beaters or South Central will help you chase the winter away dancing. Les Hivernales Rock’n’Beat Festival takes place from the 28th February to the 3rd March.
Check the line-up with this video, and get more information, including the full line-up, location of all the venues and ticket prices here.
Apero Jazz at The Caveau de Nyon
The Caveau de Nyon, situated under the Castle, is hosting a Jazz concert and “apero” on Thursday 28th February, with clarinettist Gilbert Rosman and guitarist Marc Vittoz. Enjoy some nice music while discovering some good local wine in a nice setting in the cellars of the Nyon Castle.
Booking Required.
More information here