Spain Tour 2026: The Orchestra as Switzerland’s cultural ambassador

By the end of the 2026 Spain Tour: - Swiss musical excellence is more visible internationally, with European and Spanish audiences recognizing and appreciating its quality and cultural significance. - New audiences have engaged with classical music through accessible concerts and collaborative activities with local cultural institutions. - Intercultural dialogue has been strengthened, with shared musical experiences fostering understanding, exchange, and appreciation across communities. - Professional growth and collective cohesion among musicians translate into higher-quality performances, inspiring audiences and reinforcing cultural vitality.

The Orchestra della Svizzera italiana’s international activities came to an abrupt halt due to the global pandemic. Like many cultural institutions, it faced the challenge of maintaining a connection with audiences during enforced distance and rethinking the role of live music. Since 2022/23, performances on major European stages have gradually resumed, reestablishing the orchestra as a Swiss cultural ambassador. This revival highlighted the need to carry musical vision beyond regional borders, using tours not only as artistic events but also as opportunities for cultural exchange and social cohesion. In today’s world of instability and division, international tours serve not only artistic purposes but also a symbolic and diplomatic function, fostering intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared values through the universal language of music.

The Orchestra della Svizzera italiana regularly receives invitations to perform on some of the most prestigious international stages. These tours provide valuable opportunities to share artistic vision and engage with new and diverse audiences. Strengthening international presence now allows the orchestra to consolidate its role as a Swiss cultural ambassador, conveying values of excellence, openness and intercultural dialogue. By acting, the orchestra fosters cultural exchange, audience development, and mutual understanding. Without these initiatives, opportunities to connect with wider audiences, to engage in intercultural dialogue, and to promote artistic growth and collaboration within the orchestra would be more limited, reducing the long-term impact of its role as a cultural ambassador.

The project consists of an international tour aimed at reaching new audiences and cultural contexts. Under the direction of Charles Dutoit and with pianist Martha Argerich, the program, focused on the great French repertoire, offers an experience of the highest artistic quality. The four concert dates are: March 16 in Barcelona, March 17 in Zaragoza, March 18 in Madrid, and March 20 in Alicante, with an expected total audience of around 7,000.

There are no formal project partners; however, the Orchestra collaborates closely with prestigious Spanish institutions, including: Auditori, BCN Clàssics, Barcelona – Auditorio-Palacio de Congresos, Zaragoza – Auditorio Nacional-Ibermúsica, Madrid – ADDA-Auditorio de la Diputación, Alicante. These collaborations ensure high-level organizational support and facilitate audience engagement in each city.

Outcome – Effects for target group - Greater accessibility and appeal of classical music through new interactions with international audiences. - Stronger recognition of the Orchestra’s artistic and cultural identity through concerts that reinforce its profile and mission. - Artistic growth, team cohesion, and international experience fostered by the tour, encouraging exchange with new cultural contexts and strengthening collaboration. Impact – Societal effects - Promotion of Swiss culture abroad and reinforcement of the Orchestra’s role as a cultural ambassador, conveying values like excellence, inclusion, openness and cooperation. - Support for intercultural dialogue through encounters between diverse artistic contexts. - Music appreciated as a universal language overcoming social and linguistic barriers. - Contribution to social and cultural cohesion by building bridges between people and communities.

Two outstanding personalities will participate in the tour: conductor Charles Dutoit and pianist Martha Argerich, bringing exceptional artistic value to the project. The collaboration between the Orchestra and Charles Dutoit is based on a long-standing, successful partnership. The world-renowned conductor has led the Orchestra multiple times, delivering unforgettable interpretations and contributing to its artistic growth. A similarly special relationship exists with Martha Argerich, one of the most significant pianists on the international stage. Her collaboration with the Orchestra is marked by deep musical connection and expressive power that inspires and captivates audiences of all ages.