The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich has been passionate about classical music, from Mozart to Messiaen, since 1868. When the orchestra performs with Paavo Järvi, a unique energy is created, as no two concerts are ever the same. The orchestra relishes the opportunity to embrace the diverse influences of its guest conductors and collaborate with world-renowned soloists.

Together with its audience, the orchestra is always eager to discover new masterpieces and commissions. Founded by Zurich residents, the orchestra carries its musical home in its name, bringing its excellent reputation to audiences around the world through tours and CD recordings.

The orchestra has around 100 musicians who perform over 100 concerts and 50 different programmes each season. Guest performances have taken the orchestra to over 100 cities in more than 30 countries. In addition to orchestral projects, the musicians organise their own chamber music series. Paavo Järvi is the orchestra’s 11th Music Director and David Zinman is its honorary conductor.

Over 40 CDs have been released. Under Paavo Järvi’s direction, the orchestra has recorded works by Messiaen (Diapason d’Or 2019), Tchaikovsky (German Record Critics’ Award 2020 and Diapason d’Or 2021), Adams (Diapason d’Or 2022) and Bruckner (Diapason d’Or 2023 and ICMA Award for Symphonic Music 2024). The orchestra was awarded the European Culture Prize 2022 together with Paavo Järvi.