Michael Haefliger to receive award from the International Society for the Performing Arts

Michael Haefliger, Executive and Artistic Director of Lucerne Festival, has been awarded the 2025 International Citation of Merit. The prize will be presented on 12 June at the ISPA Congress in Lugano. With this honor, the ISPA is recognizes Haefliger for his decades-long contribution to the international cultural sector. It is the highest distinction awarded by the organization.

The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is a global network of leaders in the performing arts. Founded in the United States in 1949, the organization now counts more than 500 members from over 50 countries. Its mission is to promote global exchange, networking, and the advancement of the cultural sphere. The ISPA serves as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and international cooperation.

The International Citation of Merit Award is presented to individuals who have played a transformative role behind the scenes in shaping the world of the performing arts. It honors a lifetime of work that has enriched the international cultural landscape through outstanding achievement. The award is granted only to a select few and is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the field of international cultural activities.

Michael Haefliger has served as Executive and Artistic Director of Lucerne Festival since 1999. During his tenure, he has led the Festival into a new era, establishing it as one of the world’s foremost classical music festivals. He introduced innovative concert formats, prioritized contemporary music and the support of emerging talent, and broadened the Festival’s appeal to new audiences.

Haefliger has received numerous honors, including the European Culture and Innovation Award, the Central Switzerland Culture Prize, the City of Lucerne’s «Needle of Honor», and an award from the Swiss Society of New York. In 2000, he was named a «Global Leader of Tomorrow» by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The International Citation of Merit from ISPA underscores the profound impact of Haefliger’s career on the global cultural landscape over the past decades.