Igor Levit © Manuela Jans/Lucerne Festival
Igor Levit © Manuela Jans/Lucerne Festival

Performers


Program

18.30
Introduction to the Concert
with Susanne Stähr (KKL Luzern, Auditorium, in German)

19.30
Franz Schubert (1797–1828)
Piano Sonata in B-flat major, D 960
Robert Schumann (1810–1856)
Nachtstücke, Op. 23
Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849)
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58

Intermission at c. 20.20 
The concert is expected to end at 21.40

Main Sponsor

Description

We know him and marvel at his interpretations of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Liszt. But when has Igor Levit played Chopin? At Lucerne Festival, he will dare to tackle this giant of the piano repertoire by playing the Third Piano Sonata, Chopin’s last, which is classical in form but encompasses a wide emotional spectrum from dreamy tenderness to rebellious protest. Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat major also represents a final statement in the genre, for it was written just a few weeks before his early death at the age of only 31. The otherworldly character of the work, which features a transfigured melody in the slow movement, seems to anticipate eternity. “Time, with its countless beauties, may not bring forth another Schubert anytime soon,” Robert Schumann remarked. Schumann himself was no stranger to spiritual border crossings. When he composed his Nachtstücke (“Night Pieces”) in 1839, he envisioned people bowed down by grief. Shortly afterwards, he learned that his brother Eduard had died at the same time. The four pieces were originally to be called “Leichenphantasie” (“Funeral Fantasy”). They are influenced by the world of E.T.A. Hoffmann and lead into the heart of Romanticism.


Event Venue

KKL Luzern, Concert Hall

Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern
Europaplatz 1
CH-6005 Luzern

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  • Arrival | Parking Facilities

    The KKL Luzern is located right next to Lucerne railway station. On account of the traffic and parking situation, it is recommended during Festival season that visitors use public transportation. 

    Arriving by train & bus
    Take advantage of a 40% discount on public transport to Lucerne. You can find more Information here: to the SBB offer.

    Arriving by Auto
    Lucerne has a dynamic system to indicate parking availability that makes parking in the city easier for you. You can find a list of all parking garages in the City of Lucerne here: see List.

    P+Rail
    Various train stations outside the City of Lucerne have a Park & Ride offer for those traveling by train to Lucerne. The following train stations, which have abundant parking spaces, are especially handy: Sursee, Rotkreuz, Zug, Wolhusen, Arth-Goldau, and Sarnen.

    Flying to Switzerland
    Reserve your flight directly with SWISS , the Official Airline of Lucerne Festival. 

    Concierge Service for Your Travel Planning
    Do you prefer to have your trip planned, with an emphasis on the “extra” in service? Then the travel experts at Bucher Reisen are readily available to help you.

  • Cloakroom

    There are coat checkrooms not only in the basement, but also on the 2nd and 4th floors. Handbags up to a size of 42 x 29.7 x 29.7 cm (A3) may be taken into the concert hall. All larger bags and luggage as well as other bulky items must be checked for a fee of CHF 5.00 per item. For security reasons, coats and jackets may also not be taken into the concert hall and can be left at the checkroom free of charge.

  • Wheelchair seating

    The main concert hall of the KKL Lucerne has six wheelchair spaces available on special terms. Accompanying persons cannot be assured of obtaining a seat in the same price range or in the general vicinity.

    To reserve wheelchair spaces please call our ticket sales office directly at +41 (0)41 226 4480. Wheelchair spaces are always made available as soon as online ticket sales begin but can only be reserved by telephone.

  • Access to venues | Late admission

    The main KKL Concert Hall opens 30 minutes before the beginning of the concert. For the sake of the musicians and the audience, latecomers will not be admitted until intermission or at the discretion of the Concert Hall staff. In certain instances concerts will have no intermission and allow no latecomers.

    If the concert is missed on account of late arrival, tickets will not be refunded.

  • Gastronomy

    In the KKL Luzern
    In the mood for a cocktail at the Seebar? Coffee and fine pastries at the Le Piaf? Or would you prefer a multi-course menu in the Gault MiIlau-rated restaurant Lucide? The culinary possibilities in the KKL Luzern are many and varied. Before the concert begins, you can reserve your drinks and snacks for intermission at the KKL information desk in the main lobby of the KKL Luzern. Overview of the restaurants

    In Lucerne
    Within walking distance of all event venues you can find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafés. The Lucerne Tourism office will gladly assist you in making your selection. Overview of Lucerne Tourism