LUCERNE FESTIVAL has founded a new circle of friends: the British based UK Friends, which was inaugurated on May 18, 2010.

A festive event at the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence in London launched the UK Friends of LUCERNE FESTIVAL. Ambassador Alexis Lautenberg and his wife welcomed around one hundred guests to their Residence, many of whom have for years been enthusiastic LUCERNE FESTIVAL visitors.   Pianist Mitusko Uchida, who stepped in at the last minute for an ailing Hélène Grimaud, provided the evening’s brilliant artistic contribution with a performance of Schumann’s Wanderer Fantasy.

The aim of the UK Friends is to support LUCERNE FESTIVAL, with particular emphasis on the exchange and development of talented young musicians. Much will be done to encourage British participation in the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ACADEMY Orchestra. Benefits to the UK Friends include priority booking for tickets, access to the Festival Lounge in the KKL Luzern and special social events held each year.

UK Friends of LUCERNE FESTIVAL

David Kershaw, Chairman | Quentin Maxwell-Johnson, Treasurer
Dr. Hubert Achermann | Michael Haefliger | Lilian Hochhauser

Contact:
UK | Judy Grahame | judy.grahame@lineone.net
Switzerland | Valentina Rota | v.rota@lucernefestival.ch