The Sinfonieorchester Basel will celebrate its 150th anniversary in the 2025/26 season and simultaneously opens a new chapter in its distinguished and rich history by welcoming its new Chief Conductor, Markus Poschner. Founded in 1876, the orchestra is one of Switzerland’s most traditional and renowned orchestras, delighting audiences in the historic and acoustically outstanding music hall of the Stadtcasino Basel and as the resident orchestra of the Theater Basel. With more than 100 musicians from 25 nations, it is one of Switzerland’s most important cultural institutions.

With the beginning of their anniversary season, Munich-born Markus Poschner is taking over as the new Chief Conductor of the Sinfonieorchester. He is succeeding British conductor Ivor Bolton, who has shaped the orchestra’s profile since the 2016/17 season. Poschner has conducted orchestras at opera houses in Berlin, Vienna, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Tokyo, Utah, and Zürich, as well as at festivals in Bayreuth and Salzburg. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the German Conducting Award in 2004; the coveted “International Classical Music Award 2018” with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana; the 2020 award for “Orchestra of the Year” and “Conductor of the Year” in Austria; the “German Record Critics’ Annual Prize 2021”; and a “Special Achievement Award” in 2024. For the Sinfonieorchester Basel, Poschner’s appointment represents not only artistic continuity, but also a broader identity. As a recognized jazz pianist with a passion for the Romantic German repertoire, his openess to surprising programs and projects promises new impetus.

The Jubilee Program

The jubilee season of the Sinfonieorchester Basel promises a multifaceted and exceptional concert program. A special highlight of the 2025/26 season is the launch of an ambitious Mahler cycle, which will extend until 2030. In addition, the orchestra will present major symphonic works, musical rarities, and sonic discoveries. For example, the program “Cinderella” (October 15 and 16, 2025) combines the dramatic power of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Hamlet Suite” with the narrative lightness of Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet music “Cinderella.” The focus will be on the Swiss premiere of Stefano Gervasoni’s violin concerto “Tacet,” performed by the internationally acclaimed violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja. Another example is the program “Summertime” (April 15 and 16, 2026), which will feature one of the most important works of American musical theater—George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” in a rarely performed concert version. The musical direction will be provided by Wayne Marshall, a specialist in American music and acclaimed conductor, pianist, and organist.

In addition to their main program, which will consist of eight subscription concerts, the orchestra will also be presenting several other concert series, including four chamber music concerts at Picassoplatz; three atrium concerts; two Sunday morning matinée concerts at the Stadcasino Basel; as well as the wildly popular “Concert & Cinema” series, for which the orchestra will perform live to the screening of “And the Oscar goes to…” and “Back to the Future.”

The Sinfonieorchester also remains true to its commitment to music education this season, with various family concerts, including the “mini.musik” series that introduces children ages 3-6 to the joys of classical music; the “maxi.musik” series where classics for children will be presented to kids ages 7-12; and the “mega.musik” series for youths ages 12 and up, in which school classes take on the role of performers and host the concert themselves.

Two new formats in the program this season offer the audience the opportunity to get to know the new Chief Conductor Poschner better. In “Poschner probiert,” Poschner not only lets the audience participate in his rehearsals with the orchestra, but also provides exclusive, personal insights into the wide world of interpreting these symphonic masterpieces. The “Poschner’s Passion” discussion series offers a platform to learn about Poschner’s musical interests, interpretive approaches, and his personal thoughts and inspirations regarding the major works of our repertoire.

Also new to the program are the “Relaxed Performances,” which create a concert environment specifically geared toward people with specific sensory, physical, or social needs. The three concerts in this program take place in a barrier-free and relaxed atmosphere, where strong lighting effects and noise levels are deliberately avoided. Flexible seating allows for various seating positions and freedom of movement. Assistance dogs are welcome, and exiting and re-entering the concert hall is possible at any time and a quiet room is available for retreat.

Ticket Information

With such a diverse program this season, there is truly something that will please everyone. Tickets are available via the orchestra’s website (https://www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch) and at the Kulturhaus Bider & Tanner. You can purchase individual tickets for specific concerts or consider purchasing one of the many subscriptions to the symphony concerts, in a format that suits you. For the first time, all subscription concerts will be offered on both Wednesdays and Thursdays. Subscribers can therefore choose between an 8-, 5-, or 3-ticket subscription on both days. Classical music students (school, apprenticeship, or university) can opt for a Student Subscription and attend the concerts for only CHF 10 per concert. Check their website to view the various options at https://www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/de/abos. The advantages to buying a subscription to the season are many, including savings of up to 30% off the regular ticket price, choice of your own seating in advance, and ability to transfer your tickets to others in the event that you are unable to attend. You can check out this season’s program at https://www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/de/konzerte.

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