Maestro Sanderling: "The Lucerne Symphony Orchestra is an El Dorado for every chief conductor"

The Swiss Alps Classics presents a very special concert highlight in 2023: At the seventh edition (June 15-17), the LUZERNER SINFONIEORCHESTER will celebrate its premiere at our festival. In this interview, chief conductor MICHAEL SANDERLING previews this crowning festival finale on June 17 (6:30 p.m.) - he talks about the Andermatt Concert Hall, soloist Sebastian Bohren and how he feels as a Berliner in the natural idyll of the Swiss Alps.

Maestro Sanderling, you have been chief conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra (LSO) since 2021/2022. What is it that makes this oldest symphony orchestra in Switzerland so fascinating?

Michael Sanderling: "The Lucerne Orchestra is characterized by an unusually strong pairing of chamber-musical responsibility and transparency on the one hand and the drive for symphonic opulence on the other. Individually, one knows the merits in other orchestras, but this mixture at the highest level is seldom found. In addition, there is discipline, speed and flexibility. An El Dorado for every chief conductor ..."

You will be performing together with the LSO on June 17 at the Andermatt Concert Hall. What do you appreciate about this concert location?

Sanderling: "Wonderful, interesting architecture in a fantastically located place in perfect surroundings ... what more could you want? I'm very curious to see if this hall will sound just as spectacular?!"

How would you characterize the concert you will play as part of Swiss Alps Classics?

Sanderling:"We are bringing to Andermatt probably the most lyrical and one of the most dramatic works by Ludwig van Beethoven. This represents the two poles of human emotion. I am especially looking forward to our soloist Sebastian Bohren."

What makes Sebastian Bohren stand out?

Sanderling:"I will be able to assess that when we meet for the first time in preparation for this concert. He is preceded by an outstanding reputation as a young violin soloist who is particularly concerned with stylistic distinctions, for example, also in matters of historical performance practice."

You yourself were virtually born into music as the son of a double bass player and a conductor. What was it like for you to be born into a musical family?

Sanderling:"A stroke of luck ... You can't be more grateful to your parents than I am. Not only for that ..."

You yourself are a Berliner. What is your relationship to the natural scenery of the Swiss Alps? What attraction do these almost mystical places of Lucerne and Andermatt exert on you?

Sanderling:"Yes, I was born in Berlin. And now my life here - in a natural idyll near Lucerne - is on the one hand a haven of peace, but on the other hand also an inspiration. Nature is the strongest power ... I'm learning that now! Wonderful!"

Andermatt Swiss Alps AG as festival partner from the very beginning

Without sponsors such a festival would not be possible. Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, whose architectural highlights include the Andermatt Concert Hall, has been a loyal sponsor from the very beginning. Raphael Krucker, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, emphasizes: "The concert series Swiss Alps Classics has been part of Andermatt's diverse cultural offer for a long time. They always succeed in setting highlights - this year with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra."

The Chedi Andermatt is "the home" of Swiss Alps Classics

Since the beginning of the festival, The Chedi Andermatt has been the "home base" of the Swiss Alps Classics, so to speak. This is where it all started in 2017, many times concerts took place at The Chedi Andermatt, and every year the artists rave about the accommodation in the world-renowned 5-star deluxe hotel, which combines fascinating architecture with alpine chic. Jean-Yves Blatt, CEO of The Chedi, says: "The atmosphere at the Swiss Alps Classics is always fantastic. The Chedi Andermatt is internationally renowned for creating new trends and unique experiences in the Swiss luxury hotel industry. All the more, the entire team of The Chedi Andermatt and I are delighted to celebrate our anniversary this year under the banner of 'A Decade of Making the Difference' together with the Swiss Alps Classics concert series."

Tickets for the 7th Swiss Alps Classics are available through the online ticket store on the event website www.swissalpsclassics.ch.