Sami Gillioz Piano Art Exhibition at La Spirale – La Liberté

Fribourg’s La Spirale venue is set to host a unique vernissage this week, spotlighting the multifaceted talents of Sami Gillioz and the collaborative project, “mania.” The event, scheduled for Friday, March 20th, 2026, promises an immersive experience blending classical piano, jazz, electro-rock, and visual art. Gillioz, described as a “touche-à-tout” (jack-of-all-trades) by La Liberté, will present a metamorphosis of his piano through a triptych of acoustic and electronic soundscapes.

The core of “mania” began with twelve miniatures for keyboard, composed by Gillioz and initially interpreted on piano by Charlotte Pancher. However, the project has evolved significantly, incorporating the Terrapon Gillioz Pernet Trio, who bring elements of jazz, electro, rock, guitar, synthesizer, bass, and drums to the mix. The performance at La Spirale will also feature accompanying visual creations by Fabien Page, adding another layer to the sensory experience. The event serves as a public debut for a three-part album, with the potential for the boundaries between its sections to blur during the live presentation.

From Classical Roots to Electro-Rock Textures

Gillioz’s journey with “mania” isn’t a sudden departure, but rather a carefully constructed evolution. The project’s foundation lies in classical piano landscapes, brought to life by Pancher’s interpretations of his compositions. This initial phase establishes a contemplative mood, focusing on melody and atmosphere. As detailed on La Spirale’s event page, the sound then expands with the Terrapon Gillioz Pernet Trio, introducing more complex textures and rhythms. Vincent Terrapon (guitar), Sami Gillioz (bass, modular synths), and Benoît Pernet (drums) join Pancher (piano) to create a dynamic interplay between acoustic and electronic elements.

The project’s trajectory, as described in multiple sources including Hinto.ch, isn’t a linear progression, but a free-flowing exploration of sonic landscapes. The final stage of “mania” strips back the layers, focusing on the “enticing simplicity of Sami Gillioz’s modular loops.” This suggests a return to a more minimalist aesthetic, albeit one informed by the preceding explorations of jazz and rock influences.

Sami Gillioz: A Career of Musical Exploration

Sami Gillioz’s involvement in “mania” is indicative of a broader career characterized by versatility and experimentation. While details about his earlier function are limited in the provided sources, the description of him as a “touche-à-tout” suggests a willingness to engage with diverse musical styles and techniques. His work with modular synthesizers, highlighted in the project’s final phase, points to an interest in electronic music production and sound design. The collaboration with Charlotte Pancher, a pianist specializing in classical music, demonstrates a desire to bridge different musical worlds.

The Terrapon Gillioz Pernet Trio itself represents a significant collaborative effort. The trio’s website, tgptrio.blogspot.com, offers a potential avenue for further exploration of their individual backgrounds and collective projects. The inclusion of Fabien Page’s visual creations further underscores the interdisciplinary nature of “mania,” suggesting a holistic approach to artistic expression.

La Spirale: A Hub for Innovative Music

The choice of La Spirale as the venue for this vernissage is noteworthy. Located in Fribourg, Switzerland, La Spirale consistently hosts a diverse range of musical performances, from acoustic sets to electronic music events. The venue’s calendar, as evidenced by listings for VELANTANE’s EP release demonstrate on March 21st and Tyreek McDole’s concert on March 22nd, demonstrates a commitment to showcasing both established and emerging artists. Its location in Place du Petit-Saint-Jean, within walking distance of other cultural attractions like the Swiss Puppet Museum and the Saint-Maurice Church, positions it as a central hub for artistic activity in the city.

Ticket Information and Event Details

Tickets for the “mania” vernissage on March 20th, 2026, are priced at CHF 24 and can be purchased through INFOMANIAK ticketing services. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM at La Spirale, Place du Petit-Saint-Jean 39, 1700 Fribourg. The performance promises a unique and immersive experience, blending diverse musical styles and visual art into a cohesive whole.

Looking Ahead: Album Release and Potential Tour Dates

While specific details regarding the album’s release beyond the vernissage are currently unavailable, the event serves as a crucial launchpad for the project. The description of the album as being in “three parts” suggests a conceptual structure that may be further explored in future performances or releases. Whether the collaboration will extend to a tour remains to be seen, but the success of the vernissage could certainly pave the way for further engagements. The trio’s blog, tgptrio.blogspot.com, is the best source for updates on future plans.