Swiss Global Friends
The Concertgebouw Orchestra is cherished in Switzerland via its traditional annual concerts during the Lucerne Festival in the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern (KKL) in Lucerne.
The Swiss Global Friends, founded in 2007, is a non-profit association under Swiss Law. Its members are referred to as ‘Swiss Friends.’
The Swiss Friends endeavor to support talented young Swiss musicians. In close cooperation with the orchestra, the Swiss Friends support them to participate in masterclasses in Switzerland under the guidance of musicians of the orchestra.
In addition, the Swiss Global Friends offer excellent young musicians who meet the high standards of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, grants for participating in the Academy of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The courses at the Academy contain individual tuition by musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and occasionally the academists can be part of the orchestra and play with them. It is a unique chance to get stage experience with an excellent orchestra like the Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Support of artistic ambitions
At the same time, the Swiss Global Friends support the Concertgebouw Orchestra in the realisation of its artistic ambitions. For example, by purchasing high-quality instruments, which musicians of the orchestra can use through the RCO Foundation.
A further aim is to increase awareness of the Concertgebouw Orchestra with the Swiss audience. The Swiss Friends support unique events like the post-concert cocktail dînatoire in Lucerne where they can mingle with the musicians of the orchestra. Members of the Concertgebouw Orchestra also participate at exclusive performances aimed at raising funds for talented Swiss musicians.
Membership
Membership of the Swiss Friends is available to individuals and corporates alike and offers exclusive privileges:
- Individual and young members have the opportunity to participate in exclusive cultural trips to Amsterdam or to European cities where the orchestra is playing. In Amsterdam, they can enjoy a concert of the highest quality form especially reserved seats at the exquisite Concertgebouw, for example during the Annual Gala. Additionally, members get the opportunity to have a look behind the scenes of this cultural institution and interact personally with members of the orchestra.
- Corporate members can also count on the support of the Concertgebouw Orchestra if they would like to book individual musicians of the orchestra for an exclusive client event of the company in Switzerland.
- Individual, young and corporate members will get easier access to tickets for performances of the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Switzerland and the possibility to interact with the musicians.
- All members are making a valuable contribution to the advancement of young talented musicians in Switzerland.
Upcoming Events
- 1 September 2025, Concert Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Lucerne Festival and annual apéro
- 28 September 2025 Chamber music Concert at the Barn, Zurich
- 23 January 2026, Annual Gala at The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
- 24 January 2026, Morning After Coffee RCO House, Amsterdam
Membership Fee
The annual membership fee for individual members (including partners) starts at CHF 1.500,- and for young members (30-45 years) at CHF 750,- For corporate members, the fee starts at CHF 5,000,-.
The Swiss Global Friends of the Concertgebouw Orchestra is a non-profit association, contributions are tax deductible in Switzerland.
Giving programme
Discover how rewarding it is to become a supporter through one of our memberships. Whichever level of giving, all are tied to a core of loyal donors who enjoy meeting each other at concerts and musical activities of the Concertgebouworkest taking place year round.
Swiss Patron: donations starting from CHF 1.500,- per year
Benefits enjoyed by Swiss Patrons:
- 2 free tickets for the Annual Gala in Amsterdam
- An invitation for the Apéro or reception in Luzern
- An invitation for two chamber music concerts and/or a masterclass in Switzerland
- An invitation for a cultural Swiss trip including a concert of the Concertgebouworkest in Europe
- The opportunity to have your name published in the season brochure and the Foundation’s annual report of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
Swiss Fellow: donations starting from CHF 5.000,- per year
Benefits enjoyed by Swiss Fellows:
- 2 free tickets for the Annual Gala in Amsterdam
- An invitation for the Apéro or reception in Luzern
- An invitation for two chamber music concerts and/or a masterclass in Switzerland
- An invitation for chamber music concerts and masterclasses in Amsterdam
- An invitation for a cultural Swiss trip including a concert of the Concertgebouworkest in Europe
- An invitation to travel in a group with the orchestra in Europe
- An invitation for the annual RCO Golf Tournament
- The opportunity to have your name published in the season brochure and the Foundation’s annual report of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
Swiss Master: donations starting from CHF 10.000,- per year
Benefits enjoyed by Swiss Masters:
- 2 free tickets for the Annual Gala in Amsterdam
- An invitation for the Apéro or reception in Luzern
- An invitation for two chamber music concerts and/or a masterclass in Switzerland
- An invitation for chamber music concerts and masterclasses in Amsterdam
- An invitation for the so called ‘Master dinner’ in Amsterdam
- An invitation for a cultural Swiss trip including a concert of the Concertgebouworkest in Europe
- An invitation to travel in a group with the orchestra in or outside Europe
- The opportunity to have your name published in the season brochure and the Foundation’s annual report of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
Swiss Trustee: donations starting from CHF 50.000,- per year
Benefits enjoyed by Swiss Trustees:
- 2 free tickets for the Annual Gala in Amsterdam
- An invitation for the Apéro or reception in Luzern
- An invitation for two chamber music concerts and/or a masterclass in Switzerland
- An invitation for chamber music concerts and masterclasses in Amsterdam
- An invitation for the so called ‘Master dinner’ in Amsterdam
- An invitation for a cultural Swiss trip including a concert of the Concertgebouworkest in Europe
- An invitation to travel in a group with the orchestra in or outside Europe
- An exclusive house concert given by members of the Concertgebouworkest at your home
- The opportunity to have your name published in the season brochure and the Foundation’s annual report of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
More options to support the orchestra
Commemorative Funds
The Concertgebouworkest allows for the establishment of dedicated funds to support specific needs of the orchestra’s mission that align with the philanthropic objectives of our donors. Tou will choose the name of this fund. This could be your own name or that of a person dear to you. The objective of the named fund will be chosen in close consultation with the management of the Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Commemorative Funds that are created to support the orchestra in perpetuity can be established with a donation equivalent to CHF 50.000,- or more. Your pledge of support can be made in a one-time contribution or over the course of up to five annual installments.
As a donor of a named fund at the Concertgebouw Orchestra you enjoy all benefits of the Swiss Masters during the period of your donation.
Further details and more information please contact Magali van Voorst Vader, senior private fundraiser / Global Friends via m.vanvoorstvader@concertgebouworkest.nl or +31 (0)20 305 10 55
Legacies
Leaving a gift to the Concertgebouw Orchestra in your will is a beautiful way to provide future generations with orchestral experiences. Donors and music lovers increasingly include the Concertgebouw Orchestra in their estate plans.
Contact
For members administration:
Laura Cieraad, treasurer board Swiss Friends:
treasurer@swissfriends-concertgebouworkest.ch
+41 79 939 4908
Correspondence address:
Verein Freundeskreis Schweiz/Cercle d’amis Suisse
Attn Mrs L. Cieraad
Oberdorfstrasse 54
8852 Altendorf, SZ
Switzerland
For information about the evets and information about the Concertgebouw Orchestra:
Magali van Voorst Vader, senior private fundraiser / Global Friends Concertgebouw Orchestra via m.vanvoorstvader@concertgebouworkest.nl or +31 (0)20 305 10 55
Bank
J. Safra Sarasin AG
Bleicherweg 1/Paradeplatz
Postfach 2123 CH-8022 Zürich
IBAN CH6008750060059494000
SWIF/BIC SARACHBB
Board
Mr. Duco Hordijk, President
Mrs. Laura Cieraad, Treasurer
Mr. John-Patrick Broekhuijsen
Mr. Dominik Winterling, Managing Director of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
Patronage Committee
Mrs. Karin Mössenlechner, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Mr. Paul Bekkers, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations Office
Mr. Koos Vink, Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Zürich area, President
Mrs. Corine Mauch, Mayor of Zürich
Mr. Mischa Damev, Director Musik Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund
