English 
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland, often called the “Heart of Europe,” is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This country is a melting pot of diverse influences, from yodels in the Alps to Catholic masses in medieval monasteries, and the rise of modern popular and jazz music. This blend of freedom and cultural fusion has shaped Switzerland’s distinctive musical arts.
Lucerne, known for its rich musical history, boasts stunning scenery that has inspired many composers. Today, it hosts world-class music festivals and orchestras, making it Switzerland’s music capital. Supported by the Lucerne cantonal government and hosted by Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education Switzerland (BVIS), the Lucerne International Music Summer Festival provides a platform for young musicians worldwide to study music while experiencing the rich Swiss and European culture.
Main Campus Marienburg Castle, Wikon
Marienburg Castle dates back to the 13th century and was one of Lucerne’s largest medieval fortifications. It now houses the Lucerne International Academy under the Swiss BVIS Group.
Historical Background – Originally built in the 13th century, Marienburg Castle was a major medieval fortress. It changed hands among various nobles and underwent significant reconstruction in the late 15th century, becoming the residence of feudal nobles.
Modern Transformation – In the early 19th century, it was transformed into Marienburg Castle, hosting a convent and girls’ academy. Today, remnants of the medieval structure stand alongside modern buildings, housing the Lucerne International Academy under the Swiss BVIS Education Group.
Master Classes at International School Altdorf
Teaching Pathways
Personalized in person instruction with renowned art master:
Listening
Authentic European Musical Tradition and Heritage
Learning
Teaching offered by European Masters
Enhancement
Interpretation Skills of Classical Music
Showcase
Presenting Learning Achievements in Artistic Realms
Experience
Europe’s Finest Art Institutions
Cultural Exchange
Spreading the Charm through the Art of Music
An International Exchange
"Interact with and be inspired by artists from all around the world!"
During the young artists group’s studies at Marienburg Castle, they will also visit the small town of Altdorf located on the banks of Lake Lucerne. The young artists will engage in cultural exchange and learning with artists and musicians participating in the Borromeo Music Festival.
Cultural Experience – Mount Titlis
Titlis, also known as Titlis Mountain, is a renowned scenic spot in the Alps with an elevation of 3,238 meters, belonging to the peaks of the Swiss Alps. During the summer school, the youth will have the opportunity to climb the snow-capped peak to experience the natural beauty of Switzerland.
Global Leadership Experts
Mr. Erik Solheim
Vice President of the Belt and Road Green Development Coalition in Beijing Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Executive Director of UN Environment, and Executive Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee Former Norwegian Minister of Environment and International Development (Initiated the global program for conservation of rainforests)
Mr. Anton Rop
Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Former Finance Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Honorary Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB)
Mr. António Vitorino
Former Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of Portugal Former Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (UN Migration) European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, and Judge of the Portuguese Constitutional Court
Dr. Alex Sceberras Trigona
Permanent Representative of Malta to the World Trade Organization Former Parliamentarian and Foreign Minister of Malta as well as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister. Recipient of the highest Award of the Republic of Malta’s National Order of Merit. Senior Fellow and Co-founder of DiploFoundation, Geneva.
Isabella de Monte
Former Mayor and Senator: Served as mayor of Pontebba and as a Senator in the Italian Parliament. Former member of the European Parliament Tourism Policy Advocate and former TRAN Committee Member
Lord lain McNicol of West Kilbride
Member of the House of Lords, England Advisor to the board of The Investing and Saving Alliance (TISA) Former General Secretary of the Labour Party
Dr. István Ujhelyi
Member of the European Parliament & Vice-Chair of TRAN Committee Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office President of the National Tourism Council, Special Ambassador of the UNWTO Founder and Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged
Dr. Jean-Jacques de Dardel
Founder and president of International School Altdorf Former Swiss Ambassador to China, Belgium and France. Former Head of Mission of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and UNESCO.
Ms. Najat Vallaud-Belkacem
Former Minister of National Education, Higher Education, and Research of France Former Minister of Women's Rights, Youth, and Sports of France Director of the One Campaign in France
Dr. László Andor
Former EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Secretary General of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS, Brussels). Former member of the Board of Directors at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD, London) and head of Department of Economic Policy at Corvinus University (Budapest)
Mr. Sven Otto Litorin
Chair of White Pearl Technology Group, Raytelligence AB, and Vice Chair of AB Igrene Former Swedish Cabinet Minister for Employment, and President of the EU Council of Ministers Former Secretary General of the Swedish Moderate Party
Dr. Janez Potočnik
Former European Commissioner for Environment and Science and Research Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, hosted by UNEP. Award-Winning Contributions to Sustainability: 2013 United Nations’ Champions of the Earth Award, and Hans-Carl-Von-Carlowitz Award in 2015 for pioneering work in circular economy.
Mr. Tomás Petrícek
Senior fellow at the Centre of Global Political Economy of the Institute of International Relations in Prague, and an associated researcher at the Sciences Po Paris. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Czech Republic. Former deputy minister of labor and social affairs of The Czech Republic.
Stephan Siegenthaler
- Prominent Swiss musician and educator
- Former Headmaster of the Lucerne School of Music(HLM
- Artistic Director of the Lucerne International Youth Music Summer School
Optional Activity - European Art Tour
Culture and Congress Centre in Lucerne (KKL) is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by magnificent scenery. Even in the heat of summer, snow-capped mountains overlook the area, while the crystal-clear lake formed from melted glaciers reflects the beauty of its surroundings. As one of the world‘s top ten newly constructed concert halls, KKL is renowned for its futuristic architectural style and acoustics, featuring 7000m3 with sound quality finely tuned to perfection.
For showcasing achievements and award ceremonies, participating artists will have an opportunity to take to the stage at the KKL or other suitable venues. Here, they would display their learning outcomes and receive accreditation honors, all while experiencing the charm of a world-class stage.
"United in Diversity" Visiting to the European Union Headquarters in Brussels
Visiting Top European Universities and Planning for a bright Academic Future
Switzerland boasts numerous world-renowned universities, among which the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), known as the “Cradle of Nobel Laureates,” the University of Zurich (UZH), one of the top ten universities in Europe, and the Lucerne School of Music(HLM) are outstanding representatives in their respective fields.
As an important part of the summer school experience, the young artists will visit these prestigious universities during the event to experience campus life and receive guidance from experts on planning their academic and career goals.
DISCLAIMER
The itineraries, courses, visits, and excursions presented in this brochure are examples and the overall program may be adjusted flexibly based on various conditions: the capacity of the visiting organizations and leaders, actual weather, road conditions, holidays, booking status, and other unforeseen factors. For all tour confirmations, postponements, and refunds, the right of final interpretation rests with BVIS as per the contract and the General Terms and Conditions.