The Foundation Board of the Montreux Jazz Festival has put out a statement about a serious ski-ing accident suffered by its founder-director Claude Nobs (above with Marcus Miller in 2011). Claude Nobs’ contribution to developing jazz has been massive. Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time:  

STATEMENT: The Montreux Jazz Festival communicates that during the Christmas holidays Claude Nobs fell while practicing cross-country skiing. As a direct consequence of this accident, Mr. Claude Nobs underwent surgery at the CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne). He has remained to date in a state of unconsciousness. His condition requires further additional tests, the results of which are not known yet.

All necessary measures have been taken to currently ensure the perfect management of the Festival in accordance with a planification in place for a long time. The Secretary General of the Festival, Mathieu Jaton, assumes all of Claude Nobs’ responsibilities. The Festival shall not fail to further inform on Claude Nobs’ condition when receiving more information.

Meanwhile, there will be no further comments in order to protect the private sphere of Mr. Nobs and his close family. The entire team of the Montreux Jazz Festival wishes a full recovery to its boss.