Sarasota Concert Association and Classical WSMR Host a Trip to the Lucerne Festival

Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) and Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 are celebrating their long-term partnership by offering a trip to the internationally renowned Lucerne Festival this August 30 - September 7, 2025.

Limited to 25 participants, the trip features an exciting week of concerts and sightseeing excursions in the beautiful Swiss Alps and on Lake Lucerne. 

Musical highlights of the trip include performances by three extraordinary orchestras: The Berlin Philharmonic led by Kirill Petrenko, the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of Klaus Mäkelä, as well as a private tour and recital in Wagner's house.

Participants will experience some of classical music's most celebrated works including Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 9, and his passionate Symphony No. 5, as well as Mozart's Prague Symphony, Tchaikovsky's Fifth and Sixth (Pathetique) Symphonies, and more.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Classical WSMR in planning this overseas music festival trip to beautiful Lucerne, said SCA President Joy McIntyre.  “Our mission at Sarasota Concert Association is to bring world-renowned orchestras and artists to Sarasota, so it is fitting that we are also making it possible to experience the extraordinary orchestras of Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam.

“This trip will bring together music lovers from Classical WSMR and the Sarasota Concert Association on a fabulous trip to enjoy Music in the Alps at the Lucerne Festival. This wonderful experience is made possible by the long-term partnership between both organizations who are dedicated to presenting outstanding music to the community,” said WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky.

Coordination of all aspects of the tour, including registration, will be managed by The Grand Tour, renowned for their exceptional international music and opera tours.  

For details on the trip, and view the brochure with all the details and concert programs go to the Sarasota Concert Association website at www.SCAsarasota.org, the Classical WSMR website at wsmr.org/alps or by contacting The Grand Tour at (800) 727-2995.