Festival

Lucerne Festival

About

Live

Yannick Nézet-Séguin & Seong-Jin Cho: Bruckner & Beethoven

Lucerne Festival

Concerts and Operas

FREE

Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Beatrice Rana in Bruckner & Clara Schumann

Lucerne Festival 2024

Concert103 Min

Nézet-Séguin conducts Lili Boulanger and Bruckner

Lucerne Festival 2023

Concert109 Min

Fischer conducts Chopin, Schubert & Mendelssohn - with Rafał Blechacz

Lucerne Festival 2023

Concert95 Min

Abbado conducts Prokofiev & Mahler - with Yuja Wang

Lucerne Festival 2009

Concert93 Min

Abbado conducts Russian Classics – with Hélène Grimaud

Lucerne Festival 2008

Concert88 Min

Abbado conducts Mahler: Symphony No. 3

Lucerne Festival 2007

Concert102 Min

AboutLucerne Festival

Lucerne Festival is one of the leading international festivals in the world of classical music. Lucerne Festival was founded in 1938. Michael Haefliger has been its Executive and Artistic Director since 1999, and Dr. Sebastian Nordmann will take over in 2026. The central festival takes place in summer from mid-August to mid-September and offers a widely varied range of approximately 100 concerts and related events. Each Summer Festival features a guiding theme that runs dramaturgically through the programming. The Festival presents a diverse array of formats, including symphony concerts, chamber music, recitals, debuts, and much more. Flanking the Summer Festival are short festivals, two in spring and one in fall: a spring residency featuring the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, «Piano» in May curated by a leading pianist and «Lucerne Festival Forward», which takes place in November. This autumn festival is artistically and conceptually designed by musicians from the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra (LFCO). The KKL Luzern, designed by Jean Nouvel and equally renowned for its acoustics and architecture, is Lucerne Festival’s central venue.

Lucerne Festival

The Lucerne Festival is one of the most prestigious festivals for classical music. Since its founding in 1938, it has drawn world-class artists to the picturesque city of Lucerne year after year. The festival is particularly known for its exceptional program diversity, the first-class acoustics at the KKL Luzern and its deeply rooted artistic tradition. Here, major orchestras meet celebrated soloists, and innovative projects encounter historical interpretations – all within an inspiring cultural setting.

A Dazzling Start: The Festival’s Grand Opening

The opening concert of the Lucerne Festival is a musical highlight each year. It not only marks the official start of the summer festival but also sets the tone artistically. On the KKL Luzern stage, classical music legends frequently perform – often accompanied by leading orchestras such as then Berliner Philharmonikern or the Wiener Philharmonikern.

A Refined Program Featuring International Stars

The Lucerne Festival captivates audiences with a finely curated program. World-famous conductors like Riccardo Chailly, Daniel Barenboim and Yannick Nézet-Séguin shape the artistic direction. Celebrated soloists such as Martha Argerich, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Yuja Wang are regular guests. These artists represent not only top-tier musical quality but also charismatic stage presence and deep emotional expression. Particularly fascinating is the diversity of styles and eras interpreted at the festival.

A Stage for Emerging Talent

In addition to big names, the Lucerne Festival places great emphasis on supporting young talent. Young artists are given the opportunity to present themselves to a knowledgeable and international audience. Programs like the Lucerne Festival Academy specifically support young musicians, especially in the field of contemporary music. Under the guidance of renowned composers and conductors, they gain valuable experience and contribute fresh ideas that shape the musical profile of the festival. This close intertwining of tradition and innovation gives the Lucerne Festival its unique character. Visitors often discover the stars of tomorrow here.

The Renowned Lucerne Festival Orchestra

Founded specifically for the festival, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra is considered one of the world’s leading ensembles. Under the direction of the legendary Claudio Abbado the orchestra became a flagship of the festival. His artistic spirit continues to influence the ensemble’s working methods and sound aesthetics. The orchestra brings together top-tier musicians and impresses with exceptional musical expression. Its performances are major highlights of the festival, drawing a global audience.

Architectural and Acoustic Masterpieces

A central venue of the festival is the KKL Luzern, an architectural masterpiece by French star architect Jean Nouvel. The concert hall stands out not only for its modern design but also for its excellent acoustics, praised by experts worldwide. Musicians value the extraordinary sound space that makes even the finest nuances audible. Additionally, selected concerts take place in historical or unique venues in and around Lucerne, adding extra charm to the festival..

Enjoy Classical Music in Highest Quality with STAGE+

With STAGE+, classical music lovers can enjoy the highlights of the Lucerne Festival online – anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s the festive opening concert, impressive performances by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, or appearances by global stars: our streaming platform offers an exclusive selection of outstanding concert recordings. Thanks to top-notch audio and video quality, the special atmosphere of the Lucerne Festival is preserved digitally. This allows you to enjoy the emotional and musical highlights of the festival in stunning quality – without ever entering a concert hall.