The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and the Zurich Jazz Orchestra are set to perform a collaborative concert, tonhalleAIR, on Saturday, June 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The event, moderated by Swiss television presenter and singer Sandra Studer, will feature arrangements by Ed Partyka of works by Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and George Russell, among others. Admission is free, though tickets are required.
This performance marks a unique pairing of two of Zurich’s leading musical institutions. The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich is renowned for its classical repertoire, even as the Zurich Jazz Orchestra is a prominent force in the Swiss jazz scene. The combination, under the direction of Ed Partyka, promises a dynamic exploration of jazz standards, and arrangements. The event is being held as part of the Tonhalle’s broader concert calendar, aiming to broaden its appeal and engage a wider audience.
Sandra Studer: A Familiar Face in Swiss Entertainment
Sandra Studer, who will moderate the tonhalleAIR concert, is a well-known figure in Swiss television and music. Born on February 10, 1969, in Zurich, Studer, also known as Sandra Simó, began her career as a singer and has since grow a successful television presenter. She represented Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1991, achieving a fifth-place finish with the song “Canzone per te.”
Studer’s career has spanned several decades, encompassing roles as a presenter on shows like Takeito, Dream Destination, and Country Roads. She has also frequently provided German-language commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR). More recently, she co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 alongside Hazel Brugger, with Michelle Hunziker joining for the final. Her versatility and experience make her a fitting choice to guide audiences through the tonhalleAIR event.
The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and its Community Engagement
The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich has a long and distinguished history, serving as a cultural cornerstone of the city. Beyond its traditional classical concerts, the orchestra actively seeks opportunities to engage with the community through events like tonhalleAIR. The orchestra also hosted a “Dîner Musical” in 2023, a fundraising event that transformed the concert foyer into a Parisian-style brasserie.
The Freundeskreis Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, or the Circle of Friends of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, plays a vital role in supporting the orchestra’s activities. Thomas Sauber, President of the Freundeskreis, and Artistic Director Ilona Schmiel were instrumental in organizing the 2023 Dîner Musical, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives the Tonhalle’s initiatives. The tonhalleAIR concert continues this tradition of accessibility and community involvement.
Details of the tonhalleAIR Concert
The tonhalleAIR concert will feature arrangements by Ed Partyka, a key element in bridging the gap between the classical and jazz worlds. Partyka’s arrangements will showcase the works of jazz giants Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and George Russell, offering a fresh perspective on their compositions. The free admission aims to make the concert accessible to a broad audience, encouraging new listeners to experience the fusion of orchestral and jazz sounds.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Attendees are advised to obtain tickets in advance, despite the free admission, to ensure seating. The concert promises an evening of vibrant music and a celebration of Zurich’s rich cultural landscape. The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and community engagement through events like tonhalleAIR.
Looking ahead, the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich’s concert calendar will continue to offer a diverse range of performances throughout the year. Details of future events can be found on the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich website.
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