Lucerne Festival

03/06/2026

«Ich suche Künstler auf der weltbesten Qualitätsstufe, die bereit sind, Experimente einzugehen und ihre Ideen zu vermitteln.»

In the latest issue of BILANZ, our new Executive and Artistic Director Sebastian Nordmann talks about his plans for Lucerne Festival, attracting the world's best artists, and turning audience members into friends.

Sebastian Nordmann übernimmt mit dem Lucerne Festival ein Vorzeigeprojekt. Im Interview verrät er, wie er mit dem Festival an der Spitze bleiben will und wie er ...

03/06/2026

A grand evening of music deserves an equally beautiful setting 🥂

The Summer Lounge at the KKL Luzern invites you to stay and enjoy before and after the Lucerne Festival Summer concerts – with a relaxing atmosphere, fine cuisine and great views of Lake Lucerne.

A special highlight: the champagne picnic for an elegant start to the concert. A beautifully laid table, exclusive delicacies and amazing view over the Lake Lucerne to the old town will round off your evening perfectly.

02/06/2026

"The expression of the wild boar is definitely part of the instrument."

The upcoming world premiere of Liza Lim's "Roche Commissions" "Tongue of the Land" will feature the most unusual instrument: The carnyx, an ancient bronze trumpet, nearly two meters long.

We met with soloist Marco Blaauw to learn more about the carnyx, its history, and how he came to be the lucky owner of a copy.

Roche – Main Sponsor and Partner Lucerne Festival Academy

28/05/2026

Are you looking for a very special keepsake from Lucerne Festival Pulse 2026?

We are now selling some of the metronomes used in the performance of Ligeti's "Poème Symphonique" – signed by none other than Víkingur Ólafsson 🤩
Available in two sizes and only whilst stocks last.

Metronome und andere Lucerne Festival-Goodies

27/05/2026

Summer vibes in Lucerne ☀️

As we enjoy the beautiful weather, join us at the Grand Hotel National Luzern, where Riccardo Chailly and Sebastian Nordmann chat about the opening night and the theme of Lucerne Festival Summer 2026.

The Opening Night of Lucerne Festival Summer 2026 with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and Chailly on 14 August will feature works by Steve Reich, George Gershwin, and Charles Ives 🇺🇸
Will you be listening at the KKL Luzern or at the free outdoor screening "Lakeside Symphony"?

Read more at https://www.lucernefestival.ch/de/programm/lucerne-festival-orchestra-riccardo-chailly-frank-dupree-solistinnen-des-lucerne-festival-orchestra-und-des-lucerne-festival-contemporary-orchestra-lfco/2346

26/05/2026

Meet Marco Blaauw, trumpet player extraordinaire 🎺

He will be the soloist in the upcoming world premiere of Liza Lim's Concerto for orchestra with carnyx "Tongue of the Land" ("Roche Commissions" 2026).
We talked to Marco Blaauw about his working relation to Liza Lim and how they approached this unique project together.
Want to learn more about the carnyx? Stay tuned for the next part of our video series!

Roche – Main Sponsor and Partner Lucerne Festival Academy

26/05/2026

On practicing, inspiring new audiences, and looking like a Danish banker:
Enjoy a fun and insightful conversation with Víkingur Ólafsson and Annelis Berger, recorded at Lucerne Festival Pulse and now available on SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen 📻

Vikingur Ólafsson gehört zu den wenigen Pianisten, die die Klassikszene gerade neu definieren. Der Isländer begeistert ein breites Publikum – auch Menschen, die sonst kaum klassische Konzerte besuchen.

25/05/2026

Little throwback to Lucerne Festival Pulse 📻

Tonight at 20.00, Radio SRF 2 Kultur will broadcast their recording of the concert "Poème Symphonique" (from 14 May) with Víkingur Ólafsson, Thomas Adès, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, MDR-Rundfunkchor, and many, many metronomes.

Der isländische Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson kuratiert das Frühlingsfest «Pulse» im Rahmen des Lucerne Festivals. Und spielt dort auf ganz kreative Weise mit dem Puls der Zeit.

23/05/2026

Mahler bliss on prime time 📺

Tonight at 20.15, 3sat will broadcast the recording of the 2025 opening concert with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly, and Elina Garanca.

Tune in and enjoy!

Photo © Manuela Jans / Lucerne Festival

21/05/2026

Our hearts are filled with gratitude and inspiration as we look back at the first edition of Lucerne Festival Pulse.

Over two extended weekends, Icelandic piano star Víkingur Ólafsson presented a wide-ranging program stretching from Johann Sebastian Bach to the present day – all exploring the theme "Time and Space".

Video: Seehund Media., with additional footage by STAGE+