Festival Strings Lucerne Concerts

Experience Festival Strings Lucerne

Festival Strings Lucerne is a renowned Swiss chamber orchestra, founded in 1956 by István Várdai. Originally established to provide orchestral accompaniment for the International Music Festival Lucerne, the ensemble quickly gained independence and international acclaim. Comprising leading players from Swiss and European orchestras – notably the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and the Zurich Opera House – Festival Strings Lucerne is celebrated for its historically informed performance practice and refined, elegant sound.

The orchestra’s repertoire spans Baroque to Classical and early Romantic periods, with a particular focus on composers like Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert. They are distinguished by their conductor-less approach, operating as a self-directed collective emphasizing collaborative musicianship.

Throughout their career, Festival Strings Lucerne has released numerous recordings on labels including Deutsche Grammophon and ECM New Series, garnering accolades including a Gramophone Editor’s Choice award. They regularly tour internationally, performing in prestigious concert halls worldwide and maintaining a strong presence at the Lucerne Festival itself. Their commitment to stylistic purity and exceptional ensemble playing solidify their position as a leading chamber orchestra globally.