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:

June 2023
Sat 03. Jun
18.30

Michael Tilson Thomas with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Mahler
Sun 04. Jun
17.00

Michael Tilson Thomas with Mahler

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Mahler
Thu 29. Jun
19.30

Jakub Hrůša with Hosokawa and Suk

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jakub Hrůša Conductor, Christian Schmitt Orgel Hosokawa, Suk
Fri 30. Jun
19.30

Jakub Hrůša with Hosokawa and Suk

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jakub Hrůša Conductor, Christian Schmitt Orgel Hosokawa, Suk

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:

June 2023
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
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

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 introductions start at 6.30 p.m at the Kleine Tonhalle. They will take place at the following concerts:

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 Préludes begin at 6 p.m. in the Kleine Tonhalle and last for one hour. They will take place at the following concerts:

June 2023
Thu 08. Jun
19.30

Frank Peter Zimmermann spielt Elgar

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

Finale – Interaction after the concert

Listen to expert opinions immediately after the concert, hear descriptions of personal experiences in the artistic process, and learn more about future projects of the artists and guest speakers.
After the concert, Executive and Artistic Director Ilona Schmiel receives the conductor, soloist, composer or other guest together with concertgoers for a discussion.

The finale starts directly after the concert in the concert foyer and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

June 2023
Thu 08. Jun
19.30

Frank Peter Zimmermann spielt Elgar

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Paavo Järvi Music Director, Frank Peter Zimmermann Violine Elgar, Schostakowitsch
Fri 30. Jun
19.30

Jakub Hrůša with Hosokawa and Suk

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Jakub Hrůša Conductor, Christian Schmitt Orgel Hosokawa, Suk

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.

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