This tour marks the celebration of two milestones:
- The OSR first toured Japan under the baton of its founding conductor, Ernest Ansermet, in 1968 – nearly 60 years ago. This year again, the orchestra will perform works from his repertoire, including pieces by Stravinsky.
- 2025 also marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and China. The OSR is delighted to return to China and will perform at the iconic National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.
For this major tour across East Asia’s most prominent cities, the orchestra will be joined by four renowned soloists. The OSR begins its journey in Beijing with pianist George Li, who will perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto. Next, violinist Inmo Yang – winner of the 2022 Sibelius Competition – will appear with the orchestra in Seoul for two concerts, performing Sibelius’ famous Violin Concerto.
Michiaki Ueno, winner of the 2021 Geneva International Music Competition, will join the tour in Japan, performing Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in Tokyo and Kyoto. In Tokyo, the audience will also have the chance to hear violinist Himari, who will then perform in Tottori and Nagoya for the tour’s final concerts. For these three performances, she will interpret Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
Additionally, the OSR is proud to present a regional premiere of Morphosis for 42 instruments by Swiss composer William Blank at its concerts in Seoul and Kyoto.
While in Japan, the OSR will also offer a special concert on July 10 at the Swiss Pavilion of Expo 2025 in Osaka, welcoming international visitors to this world exhibition.
