At the Verbier Festival, between music and titanium, a virtuoso at the heart of a legal battle

Igor Raykhelson, a composer and businessman involved in the titanium trade, is at the center of a legal dispute that unfolds against the backdrop of the prestigious Verbier Festival. Raykhelson, who sponsors the festival through a company he is linked to, leads a dual life balancing his musical pursuits with his commercial interests.

The legal battle involves a company founded by Raykhelson and a Russian manufacturer of titanium. Accusations are being exchanged between both parties, with claims being firmly contested. The festival, which concluded its 33rd edition on August 2, saw significant success with sold-out concerts and approximately 50,000 attendees. However, Raykhelson's name has drawn particular attention.

On July 26, an unusual concert took place at the festival, featuring a program that juxtaposed Johannes Brahms's String Quartet in G minor with Raykhelson's own Piano Quintet No. 2 in E-flat minor. The concert was presented by "Bahrain Titanium," a sponsor that has been associated with the festival for three editions. This spotlight on Raykhelson's compositions coincides with the appearance of this Bahraini sponsor, which was not present before 2024.

The connection is not coincidental. Behind "Bahrain Titanium" lies a titanium factory under construction in the Middle East, with an estimated cost of $200 million. The president of this venture is none other than the composer himself. This intricate link between Raykhelson's artistic patronage and his substantial business interests forms the core of the unfolding legal and commercial narrative.