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Lucerne Festival Opens with 'American Dreams' Under New Director Sebastian Nordmann

festival-fair · 2026-08-20

The Lucerne Festival opened its first week under new artistic director Sebastian Nordmann, who has set the theme 'American Dreams,' a choice that has sparked discussion. Riccardo Chailly conducted the Festival Orchestra in the opening concert, yet the program left unclear what kind of dream was intended. The review's headline references MAGA caps and 'an elephant in the room,' suggesting a politically charged atmosphere. The title indicates three contrasting conductors shape the opening week, with Daniel Barenboim's upcoming appearance hinted at in the article's URL. Chailly's performance and the festival's thematic direction set the tone for the week, as the festival continues with further conductors and programming under Nordmann's leadership.

Key facts

  • The Lucerne Festival opened under its new artistic director Sebastian Nordmann.
  • The festival's theme is 'American Dreams,' which has sparked discussions.
  • Riccardo Chailly conducted the Festival Orchestra in the opening concert.
  • The program left unclear what one should dream of, according to the review.
  • The title mentions three very different conductors shaping the first week.
  • The review references MAGA caps and 'an elephant in the room.'
  • Daniel Barenboim's appearance is hinted at in the source URL.

Entities

Artists

  • Riccardo Chailly
  • Sebastian Nordmann
  • Daniel Barenboim

Institutions

  • Lucerne Festival
  • Festival Orchestra

Locations

  • Lucerne
  • Switzerland

Sources