Lucerne Festival Orchestra

Swiss Classical Music Ensemble

The Lucerne Festival Orchestra is a prestigious ad hoc symphony orchestra that was re-established in 2003 by the renowned Italian conductor Claudio Abbado. The orchestra convenes annually in Lucerne, Switzerland, as part of the Lucerne Festival, which is a series of classical music concerts. The ensemble is composed of internationally acclaimed soloists, chamber musicians, and professors, as well as members of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra Mozart. It has gained a reputation for its refined sound and high-caliber performances under the leadership of Abbado until his death in 2014. Following Abbado's tenure, the baton was passed to other distinguished conductors. The Lucerne Festival Orchestra has made several recordings that have been highly praised by critics, including works by composers such as Gustav Mahler. Their performances are often characterized by a deep musicality and a collaborative spirit among its distinguished members.