Switzerland’s Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich Opens Newly-Restored Concert Hall

After four years of renovations, the Great Tonhalle will reopen on September 15, 2021, where the ensemble will perform its new season's program

Home to Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, the venue will also host the Kongresshaus Zürich, the area’s congress center. The hall was inaugurated in 1895 in the presence of Johannes Brahms, and its acoustics are rated among the best in the world.

At the moment, the orchestra is still performing at its interim venue, the Tonhalle Maag. During August, they will prepare for concerts to be held at the Great Tonhalle in September.

The restoration stands as one of Switzerland’s largest renovation projects, with the aim to return the hall to its original state from 1895. An organ was also installed, tailored to the needs of the hall, with its sound as a tribute to the hall and its acoustics. 

Founded in 1868, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich is Switzerland’s oldest symphony orchestra. Paavo Järvi will lead the ensemble in the September performances, having been appointed music director since its 2019/20 season. 

"We are also overjoyed to be able to return to the Grosse Tonhalle with a top-class programme, and to lead this atmospheric place into the future," said Ilona Schmiel, Director of Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich. "We want to give everyone a chance to experience the concert hall’s unique sound and to participate in the city’s cultural life."

The refurbishment also includes state-of-the-art and climate-neutral technology. "We are the first climate-neutral event and congress center in Switzerland," said Roger Büchel, Director and CEO of Kongresshaus Zürich. "At our venue, event organizers and guests will leave no carbon footprint."