Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich

The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich was founded in 1868 with the purpose of enriching Zurich’s musical life with a permanent professional ensemble. Shaping the first 80 years of its
history were the conductors Friedrich Hegar and Volkmar Andreae, both of whom stood at the helm for about four decades. In more recent years, it was David Zinman who led the orchestra to world renown as principal conductor (1995-2014); he now serves as the ensemble’s honorary conductor. Paavo Järvi has served as music director since the 2019-20 season. The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich currently comprises around 100 musicians from 20 nations who present around 50 different programs in more than 100 concerts each season. This also includes numerous guest tours, which have so far taken the orchestra to 30 different countries. The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich regularly collaborates with renowned conductors and soloists; it has established a Conductor’s Academy to promote the emerging generation on the podium. The annual Creative Chair gives contemporary composers the spotlight on programs: most recently, Arvo Pärt, Erkki-Sven Tüür, and Matthias Pintscher. Other program offerings include children’s, family, and school concerts; workshops; and a variety of supporting events to appeal to new audiences. The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich has released more than 40 CDs; the first recording conducted by Paavo Järvi, which is dedicated to works by Messiaen, was awarded the Diapason d’or in 2019.

LUCERNE FESTIVAL debut on September 14, 2003; David Zinman conducted works by Luciano Berio, Antonín Dvořák, and Richard Strauss.

July 2021