International Youth Art Festival
Switzerland 2026
Altdorf, Switzerland · 20–29 July 2026 · Open to all enrolled MPO members
Where Young Artists Meet Europe
The International Youth Art Festival Switzerland 2026 is a global arts event gathering outstanding young artists from around the world in the heart of Switzerland. Based at the historic Marienburg Castle in Wikon (Lucerne), the program combines master classes with world-class European faculty, performances at two prestigious Swiss concert halls, and cultural visits to leading universities.
The festival aims to build a cross-cultural communication platform — bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions, breaking geographical boundaries, and giving young performers the experience of growing and performing on a genuinely international stage.
MPO enrolled members are eligible to participate as part of their membership. A separate program fee applies — contact us for current pricing and availability.
8 days / 7 nights
Canton Uri, Central Switzerland
Lucerne International Academy (BVIS)
Co-organised by Marienburg Wikon
No audition or separate application
Contact us for current pricing
Five Pillars of the Program
A carefully designed program balancing artistic growth, cultural immersion, and international connection.
One-on-one and small-group master classes with Swiss and European faculty. Students learn directly from musicians at the highest level — principal players, professors, and award-winning performers — focusing on technique, interpretation, and the European performance tradition.
Students perform at two prestigious venues: the Congress Centre Kursaal Bern — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage old town — and the Andermatt Konzerthalle, opened in 2019 by the Berlin Philharmonic. Achievements are recognised with honorary certificates.
Campus visits to Switzerland's world-renowned institutions: ETH Zurich (the "Cradle of Nobel Laureates"), the University of Zurich (one of Europe's top 10 universities), and the Lucerne School of Music — experiencing campus life and exploring future academic pathways.
Artistic exchange with participants of the Borromean Music Festival in Altdorf on the banks of Lake Lucerne. Students connect with young artists from across the globe, building friendships and musical partnerships in a uniquely multi-cultural environment.
Exploration of Altdorf (home of the William Tell legend, capital of Canton Uri), the medieval streets and world-class galleries of Bern (UNESCO World Heritage), and Lucerne — Switzerland's "city of music," home to the KKL Culture and Convention Center, one of the world's top ten concert halls. Students experience Switzerland's unique cultural landscape across alpine towns and historic cities.
World-Class Stages
Students perform at two of Switzerland's most prestigious concert venues — the same stages that host leading international orchestras.
Located in downtown Bern, this prominent venue overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage old town with panoramic views of the distant Alpine ranges. Celebrated for its elegant modern architecture, flexible multi-purpose halls, and excellent acoustics — it regularly hosts high-level conferences, grand ceremonies, and musical performances welcoming distinguished artists from around the world.
Nestled in the quiet alpine town of Andermatt, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. The hall's grand opening in 2019 was celebrated by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, whose inaugural performance elevated it to one of Europe's premier concert halls. Boasting crystal-clear acoustics and elegant modern architecture, it has since hosted numerous world-famous orchestras and master musicians.
Faculty & Artistic Direction
"Art knows no boundaries. Music connects people from different countries, languages and cultural backgrounds. Welcome to Switzerland, and welcome to Lucerne, the city of music. Here you will explore the artistic heritage of Europe and share it with your own cultural experiences."
Master Class Faculty
Principal Timpani, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester. Lecturer of Percussion & Timpani and Professor of Classical Percussion & Drumset, Hochschule Luzern – Musik.
Swiss violinist. Professor of Violin, Hochschule für Musik Freiburg. Concertmaster of Basel Sinfonietta & Zuger Sinfonietta. Co-Director of AIMS String & Piano Academy.
Music educator, Choir Director & Vocal Coach. Teacher of Music, Kantonsschule Seetal. Co-Artistic Director of Choral Projects. Singing Instructor & Choral Conductor.
Professional Musician, Brass Instrumentalist & Conductor. Specialist in Alphorn & Alpensax. Brings the distinctive voice of traditional Swiss brass to the festival.
Professor & PhD Supervisor, Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Professor of Horn, Berlin University of the Arts. Principal Horn, Saarland State Broadcasting Symphony. First Chinese artist to serve as Guest Principal of both the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic.
Director, Zurich City Conservatory of Music — the largest music school in Switzerland with over 22,000 students, 600+ qualified teachers, and seven branches across nearly 100 locations in Zurich.
Marienburg Castle, Wikon
Students are based at Marienburg Castle in Wikon — one of the largest medieval fortifications in the Canton of Lucerne, with a history spanning nearly 800 years. Originally built in the 13th century and held by noble families under the Habsburg dynasty, the castle was renovated through several periods and now houses Lucerne International Academy, part of the Swiss BVIS Education Group.
The main tower, old chapel, and palace ruins remain, giving the campus a living connection to Swiss history. Students live, rehearse, and connect with peers from around the world in this extraordinary setting, surrounded by the landscapes that have inspired musicians for centuries.
Organising Partners
The festival is supported by Swiss cantonal governments and leading international arts organisations.
Interested in Switzerland?
Register your interest and our team will be in touch with full pricing and enrolment details. No commitment required — eligibility begins with MPO membership.