2005
For the first time, the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA took up its residency abroad. In October, the orchestra was hosted by the Auditorium–Parco della Musica in Rome for a week.
A total of 17,000 people attended its eleven concerts (six symphony and five chamber-music concerts) given in the course of this 1-week residency of the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA directed by  Claudio Abbado at the Auditorium–Parco della Musica in Rome. The public was fired with enthusiasm and acclaimed Claudio Abbado, soloists Martha Argerich and Maurizio Pollini, and the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA with standing ovations.
At LUCERNE FESTIVAL, SOMMER, Claudio Abbado and the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA established their joint performances as fixed stars on the Festival heavens of Lucerne in this third year of its existence.
«New Frontiers» as a Festival theme was predestined for the «Moderne» series of programmes within the scope of which a total of 15 premières were given, five of which specially emphasized contemporary Swiss music.
The LUCERNE FESTIVAL ACADEMY, now in its second year, proved its worth this summer. More than 130 students from more than 34 countries played at 7 concerts and 11 Forum events.
Because of the flood waters in Lucerne, a total of seven concerts had to be cancelled during the 2005 summer festival.