Through-out its 185 years of history, Civica Filarmonica di Lugano has won the Federal Music Festival title seven times. The competition, which takes place every five years in Switzerland was last held in 2011 at the crowded Tonhalle concert hall in St. Gallen. Civica Filarmonica di Lugano triumphed in the excellence category, earned a standing ovation for more than three minutes and the award for the best Swiss symphonic wind orchestra.

Civica Filarmonica di Lugano prevailed over 530 bands (composed of more than 25,000 musicians) with a score of 192 points out of 200. It played a compulsory piece, “Divertimento” by Oliver Waespi (winning 96.33 points) and its choice of “An American in Paris” by George Gershwin (for 95,67 points).

At the awards ceremony, more than 7,000 enthusiastic spectators paid tribute to the 90 musicians from Lugano, performing under the conductor baton of Maestro Franco Cesarini and confirmed the musical level of excellence. Being the best Swiss symphonic wind orchestra is a source of great pride and satisfaction for the musicians who can see their level of musical excellence reconfirmed.

This award also publicises Civica Filarmonica di Lugano’s name, promotes its city, Ticino and the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland through one of the countries’ largest and most important national associations - the Swiss Windband Association.

Program:

Overture to "Candide"- Leonard Bernstein (arr. C. Grundman)

Symphony no. 1 "The Archangels" Op. 50 - Franco Cesarini

Cerebral Vortex - Øyvind Moe

Visit their webpage here, but be warned, the language is not english!

Civica Filarmonica di Lugano, conducted by Franco Cesarini. (Click to enlarge)