Yannick Nézet-Séguin Joins Roger Federer at Rolex Gala in Paris
Celebrated conductor meets his tennis idol in an unforgettable evening of music and sport.
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
A Meeting Of Icons
At a star-studded Rolex Gala concert held in Paris, Grammy-winning conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin shared the stage—and a moment—with tennis legend Roger Federer. In an Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ95-5Pxsf6/), Nézet-Séguin wrote: “Sharing this moment at the @Rolex Gala concert in Paris with @rogerfederer, a tennis LEGEND I’ve admired for years. As a lifelong tennis fan, it’s surreal to be part of the same Rolex family and to feel a connection through our different crafts—Roger and all of the testimonees.”
In the original French caption he added: “Un moment très spécial au concert Gala @Rolex à Paris avec @rogerfederer, une LÉGENDE du tennis que j’admire depuis des années. En tant que fan de tennis, c’est incroyable de faire partie de la même famille Rolex et de partager ce lien à travers nos différents domaines–Roger et tous les ambassadeurs.” (Translation: “A very special moment at the Rolex Gala concert in Paris with Roger Federer, a tennis LEGEND I’ve admired for years. As a tennis fan, it’s incredible to be part of the same Rolex family and to share this bond across our different fields—Roger and all of the ambassadors.”)
A Shared Stage Of Excellence
The Gala in the French capital is part of Rolex’s long-standing tradition of celebrating artistic excellence and mentoring emerging talent. Nézet-Séguin, who serves as Music Director of both the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera—and took the helm of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 2008—has championed the intersection of music, culture and community for two decades. He previously led the Vienna Philharmonic at the Palais Garnier for Rolex’s special Gala, sharing the stage with artists such as Yuja Wang and Bryn Terfel in a program commemorating the opera house’s 150th anniversary.
Rolex describes its testimonees as “ambassadors of excellence.” Federer and Nézet-Séguin, though icons in sport and music respectively, both credit the brand’s ethos of hard work, mentorship and timeless quality for underpinning their careers. The Gala brought together athletes, musicians and cultural figures in an elegant evening where orchestral selections and brief remarks underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary inspiration.
Building Bridges Through Art
In his post, Nézet-Séguin reflected on how different crafts can foster mutual respect. He captioned: “As a lifelong tennis fan, it’s surreal to be part of the same Rolex family… to feel a connection through our different crafts.” Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, and Nézet-Séguin, celebrated for his interpretations of Mahler and Ravel, represent two sides of performance artistry, each honing precision, emotional impact and audience connection in their fields.
The Paris Gala featured a program of orchestral highlights—rumored to include excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s symphonic dances and Rachmaninov’s piano concertos—preceded by a reception at a historic venue near the Seine. Attendees from the fashion, film and sports worlds mingled with leading conductors, soloists and cultural patrons. Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour praised the gathering as “a testament to how sport and art speak a universal language.”
Nézet-Séguin’s presence underscored his growing visibility beyond the concert hall. In recent seasons, he’s appeared in broadcast series, led outdoor performances in Montreal’s urban parks, and collaborated on educational initiatives for young musicians. His Instagram feed weaves together snapshots of rehearsals at the Metropolitan Opera, springtime walks in Montreal and heartfelt tributes—most recently to Pope Francis after the pontiff’s passing.
Paris Moments, Lasting Impact
For Nézet-Séguin, the Gala was not just a photo op but a reinforcement of the shared values that drive top performers across disciplines. In front of the Eiffel Tower’s glow, two masters of their crafts paused to celebrate excellence and unity. Nézet-Séguin’s remark that “music makes the world better” seems equally apt for Federer, whose sportsmanship and philanthropy extend well beyond the tennis court.
As Rolex continues its mission to highlight artists, athletes and pioneers, evenings like the Paris Gala remind us that inspiration knows no single form. In the words of Nézet-Séguin’s caption, it’s “incredible” to find common ground through dedication, passion and a pursuit of timeless artistry.
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