Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com THE world-renowned Verbier Festival — an annual classical music event held in Verbier, Switzerland — will be held in Shenzhen in 2026, marking the first time the festival has been held abroad. The announcement was made last week by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism, and Sports Bureau, the Longgang District Government, the Shenzhen Concert Hall, the Verbier Festival, and Wu Promotion. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, over 25 concerts will be presented at local venues, including the Longgang International Art Center and the Shenzhen Concert Hall. The festival will feature world-class musicians. The Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra and its music director Gábor Takács-Nagy will perform six concerts during the event. Additionally, the festival will offer masterclasses, workshops, and salons, attracting young musicians, music enthusiasts, and local universities. These programs aim to nurture emerging talent and promote aesthetic education in the city. The Longgang International Art Center, located in Longgang’s Bantian, is slated for completion late this year. Equipped with state-of-the-art intelligent systems and cutting-edge facilities, the center will provide professional support for the festival. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland, and the Verbier Festival’s forthcoming presence in Shenzhen will create a new platform for cultural exchange between the two countries. “The Verbier Festival’s global influence and commitment to artistic education perfectly align with Shenzhen’s ambition to be a technology pioneer and a new engine for cultural development,” said a senior official with the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism, and Sports Bureau. Martin Engstroem, founder and director of the Verbier Festival, noted that many young Chinese musicians have previously performed at the festival in Switzerland. “Hosting the festival in Shenzhen will bring extraordinary performances by world-class artists to local audiences. The festival is not only about concerts but also a community where music is shared and friendships are forged,” he said. Founded in 1994, the Verbier Festival is a key event for classical music enthusiasts worldwide, bringing together world-leading orchestras and soloists with emerging young musicians through concerts, masterclasses, and special events. A press conference will be held this autumn to announce the festival’s Shenzhen program and ticketing details. | 