La FOSI ha per scopo l'organizzazione, il finanziamento e l'amministrazione di un'orchestra stabile operante nella Svizzera italiana (Orchestra della Svizzera italiana, OSI). L'OSI viene messa a disposizione della Radiotelevisione della Svizzera italiana e di altri organizzatori di concerti sulla base di contratti di utilizzazione. La FOSI organizza pure concerti in proprio e può impiegare in altra veste l'OSI. La FOSI tutela e promuove gli interessi artistici dei musicisti dell'OSI. Per il raggiungimento dei propri scopi la FOSI collabora con l'Associazione Amici dell'Ochestra della Svizzera italiana.
The Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI) is a leading symphonic orchestra based in Italian-speaking Switzerland, with a rich tradition dating back to 1935. Renowned for its artistic excellence and innovative interpretations, OSI works with distinguished conductors and composers, past and present, and continues to explore new musical perspectives. OSI’s mission is to make high-quality classical music accessible and meaningful to everyone—long-time audiences, first-time concertgoers, and especially young people. Through concerts, educational outreach, and inclusive initiatives, OSI strengthens the cultural fabric of the region and fosters a sense of community. While deeply rooted in the local territory, OSI also serves as a cultural ambassador, sharing the identity and creativity of Italian-speaking Switzerland across the country and internationally.
The Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI) aims to promote and disseminate classical music at the highest artistic level, making it accessible and meaningful across all sectors of society. Through its concerts and initiatives, OSI strives to generate tangible well-being and foster cultural enrichment for individuals and communities alike. By strengthening a growing and diverse audience in Italian-speaking Switzerland—particularly with a strong focus on younger generations—OSI creates unique, unrepeatable experiences that unite people through the universal language of music. As a cultural ambassador, OSI also seeks to represent and enhance the image of Italian-speaking Switzerland across the country and internationally, achieving wide recognition in the global music scene.
Rooted in a solid 90-year tradition, OSI is deeply anchored in the region it serves and continuously renews its offerings with fresh ideas and artistic innovation. OSI values artistic excellence, openness to new interpretative paths, and a spirit of innovation, working with distinguished conductors and composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Richard Strauss. Its commitment to inclusivity, community, and shared cultural experiences defines its identity and drives its work.
To achieve its goals, the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI) implements a diverse range of artistic and outreach initiatives: OSI al LAC: The Orchestra’s main concert season, featuring ten symphonic concerts at the LAC in Lugano with world-renowned conductors and soloists. The programs balance core symphonic repertoire with innovative and contemporary works. OSI in Auditorio: A more intimate series of six concerts at the historic Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI, offering experimental formats such as Play&Conduct and Artist in Residence, allowing guest artists to explore multiple roles. OSI a Pentecoste: A new concert series launched in 2025 during the Pentecost weekend, designed for both local audiences and tourists. These programs differ in style from the regular seasons, offering fresh musical perspectives. Cultural Mediation – Be connected: OSI’s inclusive outreach program engages diverse audiences through school and family concerts, lunchtime rehearsals, interdisciplinary events, and performances in unconventional venues. It fosters emotional and social development, especially among children, helping build stronger, more cohesive communities. OSI on Tour: Regular invitations to prestigious international venues such as the Musikverein in Vienna and the Philharmonie in Berlin position OSI on the global stage and strengthen its role as a cultural ambassador for Italian-speaking Switzerland. Resident Orchestra at LAC: OSI is the resident orchestra of LAC – Lugano Arte e Cultura. Together, they actively collaborate to promote music to all audiences. OSI performs its main concert series in the LAC Theater Hall and leads children and family initiatives within the LAC edu cultural mediation program. Additionally, OSI participates in coproductions of opera, dance, ballet, and theater alongside LAC and its artistic partners. Local Partnerships and Cultural Collaboration: In Italian-speaking Switzerland, OSI collaborates with around one hundred local suppliers (hotels, restaurants, printers) and all major cultural institutions—including the Locarno Film Festival and the Settimane musicali di Ascona Music Weeks—actively promoting and supporting their ongoing development.
The Foundation for the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (FOSI) covers the fixed costs related to the Orchestra’s various productions. Fundraising activities—including grants from charitable foundations and sponsorships—are exclusively aimed at covering the variable costs of productions and projects. The Foundation’s funding follows the revenue breakdown detailed in the annex to the annual financial report which is publicly accessible for review.