More about your concert

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.