For more than 30 years, Zurich and Lucerne Festival have enjoyed a close partnership. In the meantime, the festival has become one of the world's most important classical music events and now ranks among the "Top Events of Switzerland".
We are convinced that, as a source of inspiration, culture will continue to have a lasting positive impact on society. This attitude underlies Zurich's desire to promote outstanding artists and make classical and contemporary music accessible to a broad audience.
From August 19 to September 12, 2024, the free series "40min" will take place for the eleventh time under the motto "Classical music for all" as part of the summer edition of the Lucerne Festival. On eight evenings, different musical works will be presented in "40min-Events".
Anyone who is outside the KKL Lucerne, whether intentionally or by chance, can enjoy "40min Open Air" on Europaplatz again this year. The event had a successful debut in 2023. It will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
"40min-Events", August 19 to September 12, 2024
No dress code, no previous knowledge needed: Star soloists, academy students, ensembles, and orchestras have given performances during the early evening since 2013. They provide insights into their festival program, accompanied by presentations and discussions. The short concerts start at 6:20 p.m. and last an enticing 40 minutes. Admission is granted with a free ticket, which can be ordered online five days before the respective event.
"40min Open Air", August 24, 2024
Together with Lucerne Festival, we are delighted to be staging "40min Open Air" at Europaplatz for the second time. The open-air event takes place directly in front of the KKL and includes three entertaining 40-minute performances: The award-winning brass quintet London Central Brass will start at 2 p.m. with "Brass Begins", followed at 3 p.m. by Schäbyschigg with "Zwischen Säntis und Pilatus", between tradition and innovation. Finally, at 4 p.m. the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra ensemble will make a jolly appearance with "Tanzschritt und Marschtritt" . Musical tidbits for everyone. Admission is free.