Lucerne Festival Forward 2026
Every November Lucerne Festival Forward gives a platform to contemporary music performed by the young musicians of the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra (LFCO), our flagship ensemble dedicated to the performance of new and cutting-edge music.
For this project, unfortunately we are only able to cover return travel expenses for musicians within Europe.
Concerts
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November 2026
Programme
The Programme will include music from Jörg Widmann, György Kurtag, Heinz Holliger, and more.
Participants
Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra (LFCO)
Christian Jost, conductor
Jörg Widmann, conductor / clarinet
Heinz Holliger, conductor
Fatma Said, soprano
Matthias Goerne, baritone
SWR Vokalensemble, choir
Instruments required
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Tenor Trombone, Percussion, Harp,Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass
First rehearsal
Wednesday, 18 November or 19 November 2026 (depending on casting).
All rehearsals will take place in Lucerne
Fee
CHF 370.00 gross per working day (total between 3-5 working days depending on casting)
Travel
Arrival days: Tuesday, 17 November , 18 November or 19 November 2026 (depending on casting.)
Departure date: Monday, 23 November 2026
Lucerne Festival will cover the travel expenses of each musician to and from Lucerne. On ecological grounds, Lucerne Festival will avoid flight-based travel wherever possible.
Accommodation
Lucerne Festival will arrange and cover the cost of accommodation (single hotel rooms with breakfast) for each musician.
Application requirements
- One audio or video recording (minimum five minutes) of contemporary solo or chamber music (composed post-1950) that reflects your current level of playing (made within the last five years). Please include a score of the recorded work wherever possible.
- Optional further audio or video recordings (contemporary or non-contemporary music)
- Curriculum vitae in English (maximum of two pages)
Selection process
The selections will be made by the Lucerne Festival Academy Coaches. The results of the selections will be announced by the end of July 2026. There is no right of legal appeal. No correspondence regarding the decisions will be conducted.
Application deadline
Sunday, July 5, 2026 (23:59 CET, Swiss time)
Contact
contemporary@lucernefestival.ch
coaches@lucernefestival.ch
The closing date for applications is 05.07.2026.