Be Connected – OSI’s yearly cultural engagement initiative

At the heart of the Be connected project is accessibility. The aim is to take the orchestra beyond traditional paths to create vibrant and engaging musical experiences that attract new and diverse audiences.

In a context of increasingly complex social challenges linked to global developments, new fractures and difficulties in interpersonal relationships are emerging. Addressing them requires collective commitment to inclusion, dialogue, mutual understanding, well-being, and social cohesion. Cultural mediation plays a decisive role, strengthening social bonds and fostering active community participation. From this awareness, OSI’s Be connected project was born. Using the universal language of classical music, it connects people across generations and cultures, removes barriers, and offers inclusive experiences. Targeting a broad and diverse audience – children, families, young people and older generations – it provides not only concerts but also genuine opportunities for active participation and shared experiences. Be connected is a contemporary and concrete response to social needs, contributing to a more open, supportive and connected society.

In today’s society, social interactions are increasingly complex, shaped by global factors that create new barriers and weaken community bonds. Cultural institutions face the challenge of fostering inclusion, dialogue, and mutual understanding while also ensuring generational renewal of audiences, as younger people often feel less connected to classical music. Through innovative cultural mediation, the project seeks to make the orchestra’s work accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, encourage active participation, and strengthen social cohesion. With its strong regional roots, artistic excellence, and ability to bridge tradition and innovation, the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana is uniquely positioned to develop inclusive initiatives that resonate across generations and contribute to community well-being.

The project offers a range of initiatives designed to make orchestral music accessible, engaging, and socially relevant. School concerts, a tradition for over 20 years, welcome thousands of primary school children to the LAC for tailor-made, multidisciplinary performances combining music, theatre, dance, and visual arts — all free of charge and coordinated with local schools. Family concerts provide an inclusive experience across generations, while Lunch with OSI transforms lunchtime into an interactive musical encounter. 'Back to School' engages high school students in creating concerts around socially relevant themes. Each June, the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana Soloists’ Concert features top Master’s students performing with OSI as part of their final diploma. In total, the project comprises eight distinct initiatives that strengthen cultural participation, foster community bonds, and attract new, diverse audiences.

Strong regional networks: over the years, OSI has collaborated with all the major cultural institutions in the region, including: LAC edu (including free space at the LAC) for school concerts, family concerts and lunch formats Museo d'Arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI): running creative workshops. Accademia Dimitri, Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana, Città di Locarno (Enjoy Arena), Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CISA), Winterland Locarno and the city of Bellinzona, SBB. Involvement of local actors, street performers and other Swiss artists.

Outcome – changes in beneficiaries and in the system The project strengthens social bonds and a sense of belonging, making classical music more inclusive and accessible. It sparks curiosity and interest among young people, developing emotional, social, and cognitive skills. It fosters family and intergenerational cohesion, increases awareness of music’s value, and offers young talents professional experience, visibility, and opportunities for exchange with seasoned musicians. It enhances collaborative abilities and awareness of culture’s positive impact on well-being. Impact – effects in society Music becomes a tool for social cohesion, inclusion, and dialogue across communities and generations. The project reinforces recognition of culture as a pillar of a healthy society, promotes music education, and strengthens the sustainability of the music sector, stimulating innovation, accessibility, and active participation.

OSI’s Be connected project stands out as the only cultural institution in the region with such broad reach, engaging thousands of people of all ages each year through outreach activities – unique in Ticino. As a permanent professional orchestra whose musicians live locally, OSI knows the community’s needs and creates projects tailored to specific age groups, beyond regular concert seasons. With its 90-year history, it offers long-term commitment and reliable planning. Bespoke productions combine artistic excellence, originality, and accessibility. Strong regional networks enable interdisciplinary collaborations, including with LAC edu. The project engages multiple generations, inviting care homes and and institutions for people with disabilities to share the musical experience with children, fostering valuable exchange and social cohesion. With SBB and the Arcobaleno transport network, OSI ensures affordable access for school groups from remote areas through discounted day tickets.