When I dream of Switzerland, I think of clanking cowbells and the keening sound of the wind whistling through the high alpine valleys. Everywhere you travel in this pristine country, nature has its own music but you have to be still to listen to its melody.

Brass Band in Murten, Switzerland. photo by Hamish Jackson

One of my favorite spots, right in the heart of central Switzerland, is the little lakeside town of Weggis. Situated at the foot of Mt. Rigi, the town’s immaculately kept garden promenades are washed by the lapping waves of Lake Lucerne. The climate here is very mild and it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a concert.

During the summer months, the “Rose Band” has concerts daily, except Mondays, from 11:45 a.m. till 12 noon in the lakeside pavilion. The musicians present a mixture of classical music and tunes from various musicals. The band also plays at local hotels. The concerts are free of charge, so lakeshore walkers and those lining up at the pier to board the incoming paddle steamer can sit in the sunshine and drink in the friendly but casual ambience. 

Visitors and locals enjoy a concert by the waterfront, Weggis. photo by Hamish Jackson

On Thursday evenings the Weggis Tourism Information Center organizes folklore concerts by the lake. The program often includes yodelers, children dancing in traditional costumes alphorn blowers and traditional flag throwers. During the summer, Weggis also hosts four lve Jazz evenings, as well as concerts with well-known Swiss musicians.

More serious musicians will be able to choose one of the first class classical concerts which are held in different hotels. Last summer when I was staying in the Hotel Albana, one of the magnificent public rooms was the setting for such a concert. Unfortunately it was a scorching hot day and I couldn’t bear the thought of being indoors even with all the windows open, so I just peeked into the regal setting while musicians mopped their brows with immaculate linen handkerchiefs.

Just a 40-minute lake steamer ride away from Weggis is the city of Lucerne. This is the location of the modern Lucerne Culture and Congress Center. Located on a plaza beside the lake, this state-of-the art building boasts a carefully acoustically engineered concert hall, a flexible space for concerts and congresses, and an art gallery. Music aficionados should definitely plan on a visit here and also keep in mind that the Lucerne International Festival of Music will be held from August 13 to September 18, 2004.

Leaving the Germanic central part of Switzerland behind, we usually like to explore southern Switzerland where the locals speak Italian. Lake Lugano is our favorite and this warm and exotic part of Europe makes a grand natural setting for outdoor concerts. 

Last year, during our sojourn in the canton of Ticino, we happened upon the Jazz Festival in Lugano. Over five evenings there were more than a dozen concerts with some of the best known names in the worldwide jazz scene. Sitting in the piazza overlooking lovely Lake Lugano with the stars shimmering overhead and listening to a concert, was indeed the icing on the cake during our last visit.

This coming summer, perhaps we shall take in the lively Latin cultural scene at the Caliente Festival in Zurich (June 17-20) or attend the International Alpine Music Festival in Saas Fee June 29-July 4) with symphonic brass bands and “big bands.”