Lucerne, 29 April 2020. With deepest regret, Lucerne Festival announces that the Summer Festival
must be cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic. It was to have taken place between 14 August
and 13 September. Owing to the provisions that the Swiss Federal Council announced today, it is not
possible to present the concerts in compliance with the mandatory health regulations, nor is it
possible, for organizational reasons, to postpone these events. This means that, for the second time
since 1940 in its long, storied history, the Summer Festival will be cancelled. “This decision is extremely painful,” remarks Executive and Artistic Director Michael Haefliger regarding the cancellation. “We had hoped until the very end that we would be able to hold the Festival despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We struggled, thought through alternative scenarios, and examined every conceivable possibility. But after the most recent decision by the Swiss Federal Council, we unfortunately find ourselves compelled to cancel the originally planned Festival exploring the theme of “Joy.” We know what cancellation means for the many artists who have been looking forward to their performances in Lucerne for months and who are now unable to perform, and we also know what it means for Lucerne Festival’s audience. However, we will not allow the coronavirus to take from us our joy in music. Every crisis is also an opportunity and opens up new possibilities. In the coming weeks and months, we will regularly update you about what we are planning and will also have some remarkable digital offerings.”
