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The cultural community is watching with concern the announced cost-cutting plans by SRG in its cultural offerings. The future of Radio SRF 2 Kultur, Espace 2, and Rete Due is crucial for Switzerland’s cultural diversity. We are following the current debate very closely and are compiling relevant articles, background information, and statements here. ------------------------------------------------ Statements 29. April 2026 | orchester.ch & Schweizerischer Bühnenverband Zukunf

Sehr geehrte Damen, sehr geehrte Herren, Wir sind zutiefst entsetzt über die aktuellen Pläne, Radio SRF 2 Kultur und womöglich auch Rete Due und Espace 2 stillzulegen. Dass die SRG so kurz nach dem deutlichen Votum gegen die Halbierungsinitiative ausgerechnet bei der kulturellen Grund-versorgung den Rotstift ansetzt, halten wir für einen Affront. Radio SRF 2 Kultur und dessen entsprechende Sender in den anderen Landesteilen sind weit mehr als ein Radioprogramm; es ist ein u

We are delighted that the ‘Halving Initiative’ has been clearly rejected, with almost 62% voting ‘NO’. For Switzerland’s cultural landscape, this result means continued visibility and a reliable framework – an important foundation for its work and for cultural diversity as a whole. Through concert recordings and broadcasts on radio, television and online, the SRG ensures visibility far beyond the concert hall. At the same time, this presence is part of its cultural remit and

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The popular initiative “200 francs is enough!” would almost halve the SRG’s revenue. This would put a key platform for Swiss music under pressure – with significant consequences for visibility, diversity and cultural participation. orchester.ch opposes the initiative. A vibrant musical culture needs public media that reflect diversity, connect regions and bring musical creativity to the fore. Background information and arguments regarding the campaign can be found at www.wod

In grateful memory of a great lover of music and a critical observer of Swiss orchestral life for many decades. Peter Hagmann *13 April 1950 †5 June 2025 Obituary by Christian Wildhagen on Peter Hagmann (NZZ)

10 world premieres, 10 ensembles, 3 regional languages, 1 mission. The music education project ‘zusammen, insieme, ensemble’, initiated by orchester.ch and its members, invited audiences to explore, engage and enjoy in May 2025. The programme featured works of contemporary music commissioned from composers working in Switzerland – works that took into account both the importance of engagement with society and the principles of participation, inclusion and involvement. Luzern

We note with regret the decision by Lucerne’s voters to reject the project funding for the new Lucerne Theatre. We hope that an alternative solution capable of securing majority support can be found for the Lucerne Theatre as soon as possible! Mehr dazu können Sie hier lesen.

Nathalie Wappler, Director of Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), has announced cost-cutting and staff measures at SRF. There will also be changes to the programming. This is due to SRF’s difficult financial situation. The measures announced also affect cultural programming. Detaillierte Angaben finden Sie hier.

The Culture Taskforce firmly rejects the indirect counter-proposal to the SRG initiative. It warns against further cuts to the radio and television licence fee, as these could jeopardise media diversity and the cultural sector. Instead, it calls for a fundamental review of the SRG’s public service remit before any financial adjustments are made. Hier finden Sie mehr Informationen.

National Cultural Dialogue adopts joint recommendations for a sustainable cultural policy. Hier finden Sie mehr Informationen.

“The demands placed on the state have been growing steadily.” Franziskus Theurillat, director of the Basel Symphony Orchestra, talks about fair wages and a possible intake quota for music education.

At the 2024 meeting of the “Swiss Music” dialogue forum, the SRG and representatives from ten organisations in the Swiss music industry signed the new Swiss Music Charter. The aim of this cooperation agreement is to promote Swiss music and new talent and to increase their visibility. Since the start of this 20-year collaboration, the proportion of Swiss music broadcast on all SRG radio stations has increased, accounting for more than 50 per cent of airtime on some stations. M

The umbrella organization of Swiss professional orchestras, orchester.ch, is joining the NJO as a new member association. With a broad reach, orchester.ch is committed to a contemporary, future-oriented, and accessible musical life in Switzerland for all segments of the population. To achieve this shared goal, orchester.ch and the NJO will now join forces and strengthen the cross-border network of professional orchestras in German-speaking countries.

Our Values Compass: A model created jointly by employees of the Swiss Stage Association and orchester.ch – intended as a starting point for developing your own compass. Download it here.