Classical music in short form — free of charge and refreshingly casual. Through music and conversation, we’ll introduce you to select artists and works in the early evening: young talents and major stars, beloved classics and adventurous new sounds.

Festival Strings Lucerne | Daniel Dodds

KKL Luzern

The harp is often associated with heavenly sounds, which is naturally a wonderful fit for Christmas. However, the concert with world-renowned musician Xavier de Maistre demonstrates that the instrument offers a far greater wealth of expressive possibilities. De Maistre has long since made a name for himself as a musician who expands the boundaries and repertoire of his instrument with virtuosity and a willingness to experiment. When in doubt, he pragmatically takes to pen and paper and arranges existing works for the harp. In his current Advent program, however, this was almost unnecessary: ​​in concerts by Handel and Boieldieu, the charismatic Frenchman showcases the immense – and unexpected – sound spectrum of his instrument: from delicately shimmering melodies to rich chords and thundering basses. The Festival Strings Lucerne is contributing a true Romantic classic with Tchaikovsky's String Serenade.

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Xavier de Maistre / Lucerne Strings Festival

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

They are a beautiful tradition and unique both in terms of instrumentation and program – the theme nights in the cloister of Eberbach Monastery. And this year, pure harmony is once again the order of the day when we invite you to the Mediterranean Night. The program includes masterpieces from Spain and Italy, bringing the sunny, light-hearted attitude to life and the full range of spirited music of the Mediterranean directly to the audience's own region. An atmospheric concert experience, flooded with a summery flair, that not only puts you in a good mood but also offers a reunion with the Festival Strings Lucerne under the direction of Daniel Dodds and this year's featured artist, Thibaut Garcia.

Mediterranean night

Eberbach Abbey

Grammy Award-winning violinist Midori brings together graceful precision and intimate expression, transfixing audiences in this performance with Switzerland's most frequently touring chamber orchestras, Festival Strings Lucerne.

Midori & Festival Strings Lucerne

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

She began her meteoric career as a violin prodigy. By age 12, she had left audiences around the globe standing and cheering. And The New York Times has declared “she is an artist of inspiring gifts.” See the breathtaking Midori perform Schumann’s romantic Violin Concerto with Festival Strings Lucerne in this concert also featuring music of Beethoven.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

The Festival Strings Lucerne and Daniel Dodds are tying together a delightful garland of the loveliest melodies and dances from the New World in keeping with this summer’s theme, “American Dreams.” Though the program begins with a Czech composer — Antonín Dvořák, with the vibrant and feather-light Scherzo from his Serenade for Strings — it fits perfectly, since Dvořák was the “midwife” who helped American music discover its own identity. The African American composer Florence Price carries his musical language forward: her touching Andante cantabile goes straight to the heart. Also on board is the “Bad Boy of Music,” George Antheil, with a cheeky Allegro from his First Serenade. John Corigliano sends us traveling toward a better world filled with pleasure and brightness in his sonorous Voyage, inspired by Charles Baudelaire’s famous poem L’Invitation au voyage. George Gershwin enchants with a gentle lullaby, and Leonard Bernstein invites us to waltz. And how to top all that? With the Hoe-Down from Aaron Copland’s ballet Rodeo, of course — a square dance in classic country style.

Lucerne Festival Strings

Sep 6, 2026

Festival Strings Lucerne | Daniel Dodds | Karl-Heinz Schütz

Sep 3, 2026

Festival Strings Lucerne | Daniel Dodds

Dec 8, 2025

Xavier de Maistre / Lucerne Strings Festival

Lucerne Festival Strings