Discover the 2026 Programme

The now-traditional opening ceremony honoring Valais talents: the Valais Brass Ensemble, Swiss vice-champion of Brass Bands 2024, and the Oberwalliser Vokalensemble take the stage for a festive and captivating evening, blending brass band virtuosity with choral subtlety.

A spectacular program opens this 33rd edition with the monumental Turangalîla-Symphony composed by Messiaen and premiered by Leonard Bernstein in 1949. A true symphony concertante, featuring Lucas Debargue on piano and Cécile Lartigau on the Ondes Martenot, it will be conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, arguably the greatest living conductor for 20th-century music, making his long-awaited return to Verbier this summer.
The first part of the concert features the grand finale of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung, performed by the American mezzo-soprano Michele de Young.

Cesária Évora’s bandmates transform Le Cinéma into a Cape Verdean party — where morna meets coladeira, and music, rhythm, and dance fill the night.

At just 20 years old, Amira Abouzahra, a student of our Academy with Hungarian and Egyptian roots, captivates with her rare intensity and already commanding presence. Trained in Vienna within a family of musicians, she makes her Verbier debut this summer alongside Julien Quentin, in a spirited and contrasting program featuring, among others, the brilliant Violin Sonata by Richard Strauss.

For the 90th anniversary of Prokofiev’s tale, Peter and the Wolf returns to Verbier in a musical and illustrated performance — a poetic journey into the heart of the forest for children and adults alike. In French.

The final opera of the Da Ponte trilogy, Così fan tutte, will be conducted this summer by Gábor Takács-Nagy, following the immense success of The Marriage of Figaro in 2024 and Don Giovanni in 2022.
Alongside the Music Director of the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, a dream cast: Johanna and Rebecka Wallroth, sisters in real life as well as in the opera, baritone Konstantin Krimmel (Opus Klassik’s Singer of the Year), and the inimitable Bryn Terfel as Don Alfonso, returning to Verbier after his triumph in Gianni Schicchi last year.
It couldn’t be a more spectacular lineup to launch the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the VFCO!

A pupil of Serkin and winner of the Clara Haskil Prize in 1973, Richard Goode was the first American to record the complete Beethoven Sonatas. The legend returns for a programme devoted to Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann and Schoenberg.

A French–Cameroonian duo discovered on The Voice, OKALI — a Cameroonian name meaning 'to take care of one another' — blends afro–trip-hop, soul and African grooves around a vibrant, deeply soulful voice.

Another young talent to discover during this opening weekend, violinist Stephen Waarts will make his Verbier debut in a program dedicated to Romanticism and Stravinsky, one of the favorite instruments of the Russian genius. Winner of the Yehudi Menuhin and Queen Elisabeth competitions, he studied at the Curtis Institute and the Kronberg Academy, and was a pupil of Itzhak Perlman. A warm, captivating sound not to be missed!

Janine Jansen's fiery temperament and James Gaffigan's charisma and elegance come together in Dukas' famous The Sorcerer's Apprentice and one of the monumental funeral works of the 20th century: Shostakovich's First Concerto. The promise of a great concert.

A devoted regular of the Festival (he was 22 at his first recital in Verbier in 1994), every concert by Evgeny Kissin is an event. The intensity of his playing, absolute sincerity, and limitless standards are qualities that captivate audiences at each appearance. For this recital, he pairs Chopin and Liszt with Beethoven’s Seventh Sonata and the enchanting Kreisleriana by Schumann.

Pablo Sainz-Villegas, « The world ambassador of the Spanish guitar », as Billboard Magazine dubbed him, has concocted a grandiose recital for the Verbier Festival, blending the legacies of Albeniz and Turina with those of Bach and Villa-Lobos.

A revelation at the Tchaikovsky Competition just ten years ago, with unparalleled curiosity and freedom of expression, Lucas Debargue continues to amaze with his ambitious repertoire choices. His latest project features Gershwin, with variations on the famous Summertime. Scarlatti, Liszt, and Beethoven’s renowned Moonlight Sonata complete the programme.

Singers from the Verbier Festival Academy's Atelier Lyrique take the stage for this recital of Lieder and mélodie. James Baillieu, head of the Atelier's art song programme, joins as collaborative pianist. A chance to discover the best of the new generation of vocal talent.

One of the highlights of the 2026 edition: the return of Simon Rattle, mentor to an entire generation of musicians and undoubtedly one of the most beloved conductors by audiences over the past 40 years. Whether in Birmingham, Berlin, London, or today in Munich, Sir Simon Rattle captivates with his contagious generosity and curiosity for lesser-known repertoire. The program he presents in Verbier is a perfect example and will surely be an unforgettable experience for the young musicians of the VFO.

An exceptional trio will open this concert, bringing together violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Steven Isserlis, and pianist Richard Goode. In the second part, Brahms’s famous Piano Quintet will be performed by a team of charismatic chamber musicians who perfectly embody the spirit of the Rencontres Inédites.

The outstanding team of soloists from Così fan tutte presents a vocal chamber music program highlighting some of the most beautiful romantic works in the repertoire. An ideal opportunity to rediscover — or discover — the finest talents of the young generation of singers.

To mark its tenth anniversary, the Prix Yves Paternot brings together several of its laureates. Each summer, the prize recognises an artist of the Academy at the outset of a major career — ten years of artists shaped in Verbier and now active on the international stage.

A Slavic-inspired program conducted by the Hungarian maestro Gábor Takács-Nagy, featuring Dvořák’s celebrated New World Symphony — a landmark work that so vividly evokes the discovery of America in its time. Before that, Mao Fujita will perform the orchestral version of Mozart’s Variations on “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman”. A guaranteed moment of tenderness!

A once-in-a-lifetime duo beyond imagination. Martha Argerich and Alexandre Kantorow, each an absolute genius of their generation, come together for an exceptional piano concert, before being joined by Magdalena Kožená for Schumann’s famous Dichterliebe.

2026 marks the grand return of Joshua Bell to the Festival, with several concerts including this Rencontre Inédite alongside, among others, pianist Mao Fujita and cellist Steven Isserlis. On the program: Schubert’s tragic and moving Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 100, and Fauré’s final masterpiece, composed just weeks before his death.

Solo timpanist of the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Fedor Khandrikov is one of the most virtuosic percussionists on the international music scene, capable of keeping audiences spellbound during his spectacular recitals. He reveals the full range of his artistry through the sounds of marimbas, vibraphones, timpani, and even kalimbas. A must-see performance!

She is the diva of the piano! With a timeless programme ranging from Bach to Satie, via Liszt, Chopin and Couperin, Khatia Buniatishvili once again demonstrates her ability to captivate audiences with the unfathomable power of her sound.

Named Young Instrumentalist of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Opus Klassik Awards, Tim Ridout has established himself as the leading new figure of today’s viola world, a worthy successor to Tamestit, Umai, Bashmet and others. His recital brings together Brahms, the modernists Bloch and Enescu, and a world premiere by Nahre Sol.

Adèle Charvet celebrates Joséphine Baker and 1926, the year Paris fell under her spell at the Folies Bergère — a vibrant blend of cabaret, chanson, and jazz.

Nobuyuki Tsujii is a phenomenon, overcoming his blindness by developing an extraordinary ear and working on scores using a unique method. His programme, spanning Vienna and the Romantic period, includes the famous ‘Appassionata’ Sonata.

Singers of the Verbier Festival Academy’s Atelier Lyrique perform this always popular recital of opera arias with the head of the Atelier’s opera programme, pianist Caroline Dowdle. An opportunity to hear the best of the new generation of emerging opera stars.

Joshua Bell, Bryn Terfel, Daniel Harding: three stalwarts of the music world, brought together for three repertoires in their own right: the dazzling Scottish Symphony, the timeless Fiddler on the Roof, and the symphonic depths of Rachmaninov.

Last year, Martha Argerich and Mischa Maisky celebrated their fiftieth anniversary of performing together on stage in Verbier. Ever-loyal fixtures of the Festival, they reunite with the magnificent Janine Jansen for a chamber music program not to be missed.

Born from a meeting in Verbier, the two virtuosos come together in a program of great elegance, where their rapport and the intensity of their playing can be fully expressed.

Daniel Lozakovich makes his first appearance at Verbier alongside his brother, pianist Timothy, who is now 20 years old. A moment of grace not to be missed, as the communion between these two young musicians is truly extraordinary.

The second concert conducted by the fascinating Simon Rattle, this time leading the Verbier Festival Orchestra, featuring one of his favorite repertoires, Bartók, with Bluebeard’s Castle. A powerful and magnificent work performed by two outstanding singers: Magdalena Kožená and Gerald Finley.

Inventive and curious, Steven Isserlis has crafted a recital in his own image. From Beethoven and Brahms, the program explores Holliger, one of Switzerland’s most renowned composers, and Kurtág, a direct heir of the Hungarian tradition, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in 2026.

In 1957, Miles Davis made cinema history by improvising the score for Louis Malle’s Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows). To mark the jazz legend’s 100th birthday, Swiss trumpeter Shems Bendali and his quintet bring that spirit to life — improvising live to the film. French / English subtitles

One is a violinist and conductor, the other a pianist and teacher, and both enjoy remarkable careers across the globe. These exceptional artists come together for the first time at Verbier for a recital dedicated to the great Romantic masters, Schubert and Brahms, and to Kreisler’s dazzling virtuosity.

An award-winning, wordless journey about our planet—where music, movement, and imagination replace speech. Funny, poetic, and full of life, What on Earth! is performed by ensemble inn.wien, UNLTD’s 2025 ensemble-in-residence.

Two emblematic works of the interwar period, each with extraordinary emotional power. The Junior Orchestra, conducted by James Gaffigan, will take the stage for the first time in an evening concert at the Salle des Combins. Alongside them, Bruce Liu, First Prize winner of the Chopin Competition, will bring Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 to life, while the Oberwalliser Vokalensemble will showcase the full strength of their voices in the famous Carmina Burana.

Unforgettable as Don Giovanni in 2022 and a superb Count Almaviva in 2024, Peter Mattei returns this summer to Verbier for an intimate recital devoted to the world of Franz Schubert. An event not to be missed with the Swedish baritone, undoubtedly one of the most captivating voices on the international opera scene.

A virtuosic fireworks of a concert featuring the finest violinists of the young generation (Daniel Lozakovich, Marc Bouchkov, Yamen Saadi, Stephen Waarts), who will perform in dialogue with renowned chamber musicians and Verbier regulars such as pianist Julien Quentin and double bassist Brendan Kane.

The exploration of music by the Russian-born American composer Igor Raykhelson continues following the success of his Quartet in 2025. This year, top chamber musicians come together to present the Piano Quintet. In the second half, Brahms’s flamboyant Piano Quartet No. 1 will be performed, featuring the extraordinary Nobuyuki Tsujii at the piano.

Since his triumph at the Van Cliburn Competition in 2022, Yunchan Lim has become a global piano phenomenon. Identified early by the Verbier Festival, he will once again perform this year alongside his mentor, Minsoo Sohn, interpreting Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos. In the second half, Lahav Shani will conduct Bruckner’s magnificent Symphony No. 7, certainly one of his favorite works, as evidenced by his recording of the piece released on Warner, already regarded as a reference by critics.

A multifaceted artist — conductor, pianist, and brilliant arranger — Mikhaïl Pletnev offers a recital of great intensity featuring Schumann’s Kreisleriana, rarely heard pieces by Grieg, and, to open the program, four of Bach’s Preludes and Fugues, of which he is today one of the most fascinating interpreters.

A recital by Nikolai Lugansky is always a profound experience, marked by great sincerity and free of any superfluous effects. His deep respect for the score allows him to capture the composer’s intentions with absolute clarity. On the program: two monuments of Romantic piano music — Chopin’s 24 Preludes and Schumann’s passionate Humoreske.

A program of 20th and even 21st-century music, featuring the world premiere of the work by the Georgian prodigy Tsotne Zedginidze. A unique opportunity to discover the dazzling talent of this 16-year-old musician! He will be at the piano to perform his composition alongside soloists who are regulars at the Rencontres Inédites.

An emblematic work of Brahms’ genius, the Double Concerto captivates with its richness and virtuosity, here brought to life by the bows of Janine Jansen and Daniel Blendulf. Then comes another Romantic masterpiece, conducted by the charismatic Nikolaj Znaider: Schumann’s Rhenish Symphony, composed in tribute to German heritage.

An original programme paying tribute to the two masters of Leipzig, Bach and Mendelssohn, brought to life by the immense baritone Peter Mattei and a top-tier chamber ensemble for Mendelssohn’s Piano and Strings Sextet.

Since his success at the 2021 Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Bruce Liu has built an exemplary career on the world’s greatest stages. He returns to Verbier with a recital combining, alongside Bach, Liszt, and Chopin, the Spanish colors of Mompou and Albéniz.

Both Thomas Quasthoff and Kirill Gerstein have a resolutely modern vision of their art, putting their considerable renown at the service of powerful messages. They perform Viktor Ullmann's Melodrama, composed in July 1944 shortly before his deportation.

Two piano legends, champions of the classical repertoire. Evgeny Kissin and Sir András Schiff come together in an exceptional programme for four hands or two pianos. A major event of the 2026 edition!

A true Carte Blanche offered to Leonidas Kavakos, one of the most loyal friends of the Verbier Festival for 25 years. The programme features Franck’s famous Sonata with Alexandre Kantorow at the piano, as well as works by Dvořák with their inimitable Romanticism and energy.

A journey through shadow and light as Schubert and David Lang explore the voices of Death — one through intimate song, the other through a modern echo. With Sandrine Piau, Pedja Mužijević, and the Leonkoro Quartet, UNLTD enters Schubert’s orbit ahead of his 200th birthday in 2028 for this Verbier premiere.

From the famous Funeral March of Schumann’s Quintet to the timeless tune of Schubert’s Trout, the finest soloists become chamber musicians to help us rediscover the popular heritage of Romantic music, with unmatched charm and inventiveness.

Accomplished singers and instrumentalists of the Verbier Festival Academy’s Atelier Lyrique and Soloists & Ensembles Programmes unite for a vibrant recital of vocal chamber music, celebrating artistry, collaboration, and seldom-heard gems of the repertoire.

An original and unconventional program is offered here by the magician Mikhail Pletnev, bringing together the finest of 19th-century Romantic Europe. Rarely heard works precede Schumann’s Violin Concerto, probably one of the most demanding in the repertoire, sublimely performed by the exceptional Daniel Lozakovich.

The promise of a perfect exploration of German Romanticism with one of its most brilliant creators, Robert Schumann, performed by exceptional artists gathered around pianist Minsoo Sohn, one of the revelations of the 2025 Verbier Festival.

Since his brilliant victory at the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, Alexandre Kantorow has captivated audiences with the intensity of his interpretations. At 28, he is one of the leading ambassadors of the piano worldwide. In addition to Chopin, he performs the exceptional Sonata by Medtner and a sacred masterpiece: Beethoven’s ultimate Sonata, Op. 111.

Augustin Dumay, the most illustrious representative of the historical French violin school (that of Thibaud, Neveu, Grumiaux, Ferras), performs with Julien Quentin some of the gems of the sonata repertoire: Debussy, Beethoven, and the wonderful Fantasiestücke by Schumann.

For a spectacular programme, exceptional artists: Mikhail Pletnev, one of the greatest Chopin interpreters of our time, performs the irresistible Second Concerto by Chopin, while the aesthete Gianandrea Noseda conducts the extraordinary Sixth Symphony by Mahler, renowned worldwide for its Dantean ambition.

Piano superstar Yunchan Lim, only 21 years old, delves into Medtner’s universe with his monumental Piano Quintet, bringing together the finest musicians of his generation (Lozakovich, So, Ridout, Soltani). In the first half, clarinetist Pierre Génisson will explore the full lyrical genius of Bruch with his Eight Pieces for clarinet, viola, and piano.

Former pianist of the Buena Vista Social Club, Rolando Luna turns every concert into a Havana celebration. With his trio, he blends Cuban swing, jazz fire and heartfelt soul in a night of irresistible rhythm.

Kian Soltani is one of the most acclaimed cellists of his generation, sought after by today’s leading conductors (Barenboim, Gatti, Pappano, Shani…). Yet he remains deeply connected to his oriental roots and, with his ensemble Shiraz — founded by his father — enjoys presenting creative programmes inspired by Persian music. A guaranteed journey of discovery!

After nearly three weeks of rehearsals, coachings, and performances, musicians of the Verbier Festival Academy’s Soloists programme come together for an afternoon of chamber music featuring works by Fauré and Shostakovich.

First recital at the Salle des Combins, following his triumphs at the Église (those historic Goldberg Variations in 2025!) for Yunchan Lim. A worldwide phenomenon — and rightfully so — as this young artist moves us deeply with his sound. Schubert's luminous "Gasteiner" Sonata opens the evening with joyous exuberance and irresistible vitality. In the second half, three Scriabin sonatas: the "Fantasy" Sonata, the "gothic" Sonata No. 3 nicknamed "States of Soul", and the radiant Fourth which he described as "man's flight towards the star, symbol of happiness".

For many musicians, Jascha Heifetz is considered the greatest violinist of all time. With this programme, Marc Bouchkov pays tribute to the Russian-born American violinist (1901–1987) by presenting works that showcase his extraordinary virtuosity.

Musicians of the Verbier Festival Academy’s Soloists programme are joined by the Fibonacci Quartet, one of the Academy’s 2026 ensembles in residence, for a morning recital of chamber music by Haydn, Mozart and Mendelssohn.

The children of Camp Storytellers take the stage with actor René-Claude Emery to bring to life an original show, Terrokois — a unique moment where theatre, music, and visual arts come together.

Superstar Renée Fleming returns to Verbier! She offers an immersive experience, blending her voice with stunning imagery from the National Geographic Society.
Through romantic and contemporary works accompanied by film, this programme explores the beauty and fragility of nature while highlighting humanity’s impact on the environment.
In the second half, Lahav Shani conducts Brahms’s final symphony, arguably the German composer’s most accomplished work.

Clara-Jumi Kang and Sunwook Kim, both renowned for their fiery temperament, have triumphed in numerous international competitions. They perform works by Strauss, Respighi, and Weinberg, confronting the Romantic heritage with the turmoil of the 20th century. This marks the German violinist’s first appearance in Verbier — a perfect opportunity to discover the full breadth of her talent.

The final chamber music recital of the Verbier Festival Academy’s Soloists & Ensembles programme brings together musicians of the Soloists programme and the inn.wien ensemble, one of the Academy’s 2026 ensembles in residence, in works by Bartók, Schumann and Dohnányi. The concert is followed by the Academy Awards ceremony.

Throughout the Verbier Festival, the singers of the Academy's Atelier Lyrique — selected through an exceptionally rigorous process — receive intensive coaching. They present the fruit of their work at the Festival’s closing event: a staged performance of a major opera from the repertoire. This year, it will be Verdi’s legendary La Traviata, conducted by James Gaffigan, Music Director of the superb Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra.

To close the 2026 edition, a concert of dazzling grandeur: the Concerto that earned Alexandre Kantorow the First Prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition, followed by the Suite from the most beloved Russian ballet of the 20th century — Romeo and Juliet — conducted by Vasily Petrenko, one of the foremost Tchaikovsky specialists.