More about your concert

Your evening with us doesn't have to start in the concert hall. Discover our introductory events around your concert visit - live or online.

To find out which concerts will feature accompanying events, please see the concert calendar.

Short introductions

You want to go to the concert well prepared with the most important facts about the programme? We have designed the new short introduction for you, in which the most important facts about the works performed are presented briefly, compactly and clearly.

The short introduction begins 30 minutes before the concert and lasts 15 minutes. It takes place in the concert foyer.

We offer a short introduction at the following concerts:

April 2024
Thu 11. Apr
19.30

Rudolf Buchbinder plays Mozart

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jaap van Zweden Conductor, Rudolf Buchbinder Klavier Wagner, Mozart, Bartók
May
Sat 25. May
18.30

Hélène Grimaud plays Beethoven

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Hélène Grimaud Klavier Mahler, Beethoven, Schostakowitsch
Sun 26. May
17.00

Hélène Grimaud plays Beethoven

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Hélène Grimaud Klavier Mahler, Beethoven, Schostakowitsch
June
Fri 14. Jun
19.30

Gala Concert Freundeskreis: Janine Jansen plays Sibelius

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Janine Jansen Violine Rimskij-Korsakow, Sibelius, Rimskij-Korsakow
Wed 19. Jun
19.30

Herbert Blomstedt with Mozart

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Herbert Blomstedt Conductor Mozart
Thu 20. Jun
19.30

Herbert Blomstedt with Mozart

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Herbert Blomstedt Conductor Mozart
July
Thu 04. Jul
19.30

Joana Mallwitz with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Joana Mallwitz Conductor, Pekka Kuusisto Violine Dessner, Mahler
Fri 05. Jul
19.30

Joana Mallwitz with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Joana Mallwitz Conductor, Pekka Kuusisto Violine Dessner, Mahler
March 2024
Thu 14. Mar
19.30

Sol Gabetta plays Saint-Saëns

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Sol Gabetta Violoncello Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Sibelius
February
Fri 09. Feb
19.30

Vilde Frang plays Bartók

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Vilde Frang Violine Beethoven, Bartók, Nielsen
Thu 08. Feb
19.30

Vilde Frang plays Bartók

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Vilde Frang Violine Beethoven, Bartók, Nielsen
January
Thu 25. Jan
19.30

Philippe Jordan with Schumann and Wagner

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Philippe Jordan Conductor, Anja Kampe Sopran Schumann, Wagner
December 2023
Wed 20. Dec
19.30

Giovanni Antonini with Haydn

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Giovanni Antonini Conductor, Christina Landshamer Sopran, Marie Henriette Reinhold Alt, Maximilian Schmitt Tenor, Florian Boesch Bass, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, Martina Batič Einstudierung Haydn, Beethoven
Fri 08. Dec
19.30

Freundeskreis Concert: Marek Janowski with Brahms

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Marek Janowski Conductor, James Ehnes Violine, Pablo Ferrández Violoncello Brahms, Schumann
November
Sun 26. Nov
17.00

Simone Young with Dessner and Strauss

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Simone Young Conductor, Bryce Dessner E-Gitarre, David Chalmin E-Gitarre Strawinsky, Dessner, Strauss
Thu 16. Nov
19.30

Piotr Anderszewski plays Beethoven

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Thomas Søndergård Conductor, Piotr Anderszewski Klavier Beethoven, Brahms
Neue Besetzung!
October
Wed 04. Oct
19.30

Sold out: Bruce Liu plays Chopin

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Bruce Liu Klavier Chopin, Beethoven
Restkarten
June
Fri 30. Jun
19.30

Jakub Hrůša with Hosokawa and Suk

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jakub Hrůša Conductor, Christian Schmitt Orgel Hosokawa, Suk
Thu 29. Jun
19.30

Jakub Hrůša with Hosokawa and Suk

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jakub Hrůša Conductor, Christian Schmitt Orgel Hosokawa, Suk
Sun 04. Jun
17.00

Michael Tilson Thomas with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Mahler
Sat 03. Jun
18.30

Michael Tilson Thomas with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Mahler

Introduction – the classic

For those who would like to know more about the works performed, there are spoken introductions to several concerts each season. Musicologists talk about the compositions and the period in which they were written, and explain the musical and historical context. Sound samples will get you in the mood for the programme.

The Introduction begins 45 minutes before the concert and lasts 20 to 30 minutes. It takes place at the Kleine Tonhalle.

We offer an introduction at the following concerts:

No results

February 2024
Sat 03. Feb
18.30

Paavo Järvi with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Cristina Gómez Godoy Oboe Mozart, Mahler
Fri 02. Feb
19.30

Paavo Järvi with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Cristina Gómez Godoy Oboe Mozart, Mahler
Sold out
November 2023
Fri 10. Nov
19.30

Gianandrea Noseda with Rachmaninoff

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Gianandrea Noseda Conductor, Francesco Piemontesi Klavier Rachmaninow
June
Sun 18. Jun
17.00

Paavo Järvi with «Fidelio»

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Jacquelyn Wagner Sopran – Leonore, Michael Schade Tenor – Florestan, Christof Fischesser Bass – Rocco, Katharina Konradi Sopran – Marzelline, Patrick Grahl Tenor – Jaquino, Shenyang Bassbariton – Don Pizarro, Tareq Nazmi Bariton – Don Fernando, Stefan Kurt Sprecher, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, Florian Helgath Einstudierung, Sebastian Breuing Einstudierung, Eva Buchmann Konzept, Regie, Ben Hurkmans Dramaturgie, Selina Tholl Kostüme Beethoven
Fri 16. Jun
19.30

Paavo Järvi with «Fidelio»

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Jacquelyn Wagner Sopran – Leonore, Michael Schade Tenor – Florestan, Christof Fischesser Bass – Rocco, Katharina Konradi Sopran – Marzelline, Patrick Grahl Tenor – Jaquino, Shenyang Bassbariton – Don Pizarro, Tareq Nazmi Bariton – Don Fernando, Stefan Kurt Sprecher, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, Florian Helgath Einstudierung, Sebastian Breuing Einstudierung, Eva Buchmann Konzept, Regie, Ben Hurkmans Dramaturgie, Selina Tholl Kostüme Beethoven

Surprise with ZHdK students

Five times each season, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) students provide a musical introduction to the concert.
These half-hour chamber music «pre-programmes» refer to the works performed at the concert itself.

The Suprise starts at 6.30 p.m at the Kleine Tonhalle. It will take place at the following concerts:

March 2024
Thu 21. Mar
19.30

Rafael Payare with Tchaikovsky and Strauss

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Rafael Payare Conductor, Kirill Gerstein Klavier Tschaikowsky, Strauss
May
Fri 17. May
19.30

Dima Slobodeniouk with Berlioz

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Dima Slobodeniouk Conductor, Iveta Apkalna Orgel Jongen, Berlioz
February 2024
Thu 15. Feb
19.30

Semyon Bychkov with Brahms

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Semyon Bychkov Conductor, Kian Soltani Violoncello Schostakowitsch, Brahms
December 2023
Thu 14. Dec
19.30

Wayne Marshall plays Gershwin

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Wayne Marshall Klavier und Orgel Dessner, Gershwin, Marshall, Rachmaninow
Thu 07. Dec
19.30

Marek Janowski with Brahms

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Marek Janowski Conductor, James Ehnes Violine, Pablo Ferrández Violoncello Brahms, Schumann

Prélude – Introduction to contemporary music

Let us smooth the way to fascinating new works in the repertoire. At our Préludes, we familiarise you with a specific work from the evening programme. Presenters from SRF 2 Kultur moderate discussions with the composer or performers, and music students from Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) present excerpts.

The Prélude begins at 6 p.m. in the Kleine Tonhalle and lasts for one hour. It will take place at the following concerts:

April 2024
Wed 10. Apr
19.30

Rudolf Buchbinder plays Mozart

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jaap van Zweden Conductor, Rudolf Buchbinder Klavier Wagner, Mozart, Bartók
March 2024
Thu 07. Mar
19.30

Paavo Järvi with Fauré

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Giulia Semenzato Sopran, Rodion Pogossov Bariton, Iveta Apkalna Orgel, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, Florian Helgath Einstudierung Fauré, Poulenc, Fauré
January
Thu 18. Jan
19.30

Alice Sara Ott plays Dessner

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Kent Nagano Conductor, Alice Sara Ott Klavier, Mari Eriksmoen Sopran Ives, Dessner, Mahler
December 2023
Fri 01. Dec
19.30

Pierre-André Valade conducts Ligeti and Fedele

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Pierre-André Valade Conductor, Amit Dolberg Klavier Ligeti, Ben-Shabetai, Fallah, Fedele
October
Fri 06. Oct
19.30

Bomsori Kim plays Nielsen

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Bomsori Kim Violine Beethoven, Nielsen, Brahms

Finale with Ilona Schmiel and guests

After the concert, artistic director Ilona Schmiel welcomes the conductor, soloist, composer or other guest as well as concertgoers for a talk. Experience an assessment immediately after the respective concert event, a description of personal experiences in the artistic working process and learn more about future projects of the respective artists and guests.

The Ausklang begins directly after the concert in the concert foyer and lasts about 30 minutes. The Ausklang will take place after the following concerts:

March 2024
Wed 20. Mar
19.30

Rafael Payare with Tchaikovsky and Strauss

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Rafael Payare Conductor, Kirill Gerstein Klavier Tschaikowsky, Strauss
April
Thu 25. Apr
19.30

Lucas & Arthur Jussen play Mozart

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Lucas & Arthur Jussen Klavierduo, Jan Willem de Vriend Conductor, Lucas Jussen Klavier, Arthur Jussen Klavier Bach, Mozart, Haydn
July
Thu 04. Jul
19.30

Joana Mallwitz with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Joana Mallwitz Conductor, Pekka Kuusisto Violine Dessner, Mahler
March 2024
Fri 08. Mar
19.30

Paavo Järvi with Fauré

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Giulia Semenzato Sopran, Rodion Pogossov Bariton, Iveta Apkalna Orgel, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, Florian Helgath Einstudierung Fauré, Poulenc, Fauré
February
Wed 14. Feb
19.30

Semyon Bychkov with Brahms

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Semyon Bychkov Conductor, Kian Soltani Violoncello Schostakowitsch, Brahms
January
Wed 24. Jan
19.30

Philippe Jordan with Schumann and Wagner

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Philippe Jordan Conductor, Anja Kampe Sopran Schumann, Wagner
Fri 19. Jan
19.30

Alice Sara Ott plays Dessner

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Kent Nagano Conductor, Alice Sara Ott Klavier, Mari Eriksmoen Sopran Ives, Dessner, Mahler
December 2023
Fri 15. Dec
19.30

Wayne Marshall plays Gershwin

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Wayne Marshall Klavier und Orgel Dessner, Gershwin, Marshall, Rachmaninow
November
Sat 25. Nov
18.30

Simone Young with Dessner and Strauss

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Simone Young Conductor, Bryce Dessner E-Gitarre, David Chalmin E-Gitarre Strawinsky, Dessner, Strauss
September
Thu 21. Sep
19.30

Olli Mustonen plays Beethoven

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Olli Mustonen Klavier Beethoven
June
Fri 30. Jun
19.30

Jakub Hrůša with Hosokawa and Suk

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jakub Hrůša Conductor, Christian Schmitt Orgel Hosokawa, Suk
Thu 08. Jun
19.30

Frank Peter Zimmermann plays Elgar

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Frank Peter Zimmermann Violine Elgar, Schostakowitsch

Guided tours – a look behind the scenes

At our orchestra concerts you can regularly discover the history and architecture of the Tonhalle Zurich with your ticket.

Information on registration and other public and individual tours can be found here.

Intro – the Podcast

What moves artists shortly before a premiere? What personal connection do they have to the masterpieces of orchestral music? What are the goosebump moments in film music? In the podcast "Intro" with host and dramaturge Ulrike Thiele, musicians tell their stories.

On Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many other podcast platforms – and of course here on our website.

Digital programme booklets

As of this season, our programme booklets are only available in digital form (with the exception of selected concerts). You will find the programme booklet as a PDF one week before the concert on the respective concert page or here in collected form. Printed programme sheets will be handed out free of charge before the concert.

Subscribers can order the printed programme. You can find all the information here.

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