The Verbier Festival, an international classical music event held each summer in the mountain town of Verbier, Switzerland, will take place in Shenzhen for the first time in January 2026. This marks the festival’s inaugural edition outside Switzerland and its debut in Asia. 

The announcement was made on July 31 by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, Longgang District Government, Shenzhen Concert Hall, the Verbier Festival, and Wu Promotion.

From Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, 2026, over 25 concerts will be presented at local venues including the Longgang International Art Center and Shenzhen Concert Hall. 

The festival will feature world-class musicians such as Martha Argerich, Joshua Bell, Mischa Maisky, Janine Jansen, Mikhail Pletnev, Gautier Capuçon, Bryn Terfel, Bruce Liu, Daniel Lozakovich, Marc Bouchkov, Timothy Ridout, and Daniel Blendulf. The Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra and its music director Gábor Takács-Nagy will perform six concerts during the event.

In addition, 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 Bantian, Longgang District, is slated for completion by late 2025. 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 in Shenzhen will create a new platform for cultural exchange between the two nations.

“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 Ding Zhongyuan, deputy director of 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 unites leading orchestras, soloists, and young talents for concerts, masterclasses, and special events. It fosters artistic excellence, encourages collaboration across generations, and supports the development of emerging artists, making it a key event for classical music enthusiasts worldwide.

A press conference will be held this autumn to announce the festival’s Shenzhen program and ticketing details.