The VFCO, ambassador of the Verbier Festival

Michael Fuller, Touring Manager of the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, takes us behind the scenes of the VFCO’s international tours.

“We want to make the Verbier Festival an institution present throughout the year and with a global reach.”
Michael Fuller, Touring Manager of the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra

Why has the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra become the touring orchestra for international tours?

The VFCO is the Verbier Festival’s ambassador to the world. It brings together musicians from the world’s leading orchestras, all former participants in the Festival’s training programme. We have been playing together for many years, which gives the group a strong and distinctive musical identity. The flexible line-up of this chamber orchestra is also perfectly suited to touring.

How do you choose the destinations?

We start by mapping the global classical music markets, identifying the regions where we feel it is important to develop the VFCO’s presence. Asia is currently a priority, but we are also running projects in the United States and strengthening our presence in European concert halls and festivals.

What are the main challenges of a tour?

At the outset, we have to coordinate the selection of artists, the programme, venues, dates and funding. Then we move on to logistics: visas, travel arrangements, instruments, etc. Right up to the last moment, an unforeseen event can turn everything upside down. Before we left for India last year, an airline refused to allow one of our musicians’ violas in the cabin. I had to step in to resolve the situation urgently over the phone.

What do these tours represent for the Festival?

They embody our vision of a Verbier Festival that is active throughout the year and present on a global scale. They enable us to share the Festival spirit, strengthen our ties with artists and contribute to the orchestra’s development. Our ambition is to see it perform in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Suntory Hall in Tokyo and all the major concert halls in Europe.

Interview by Jean-Philippe Jutzi

Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra anniversary concert

24 July | 9:00–9:30 PM | Combins

This year, the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary and, for the occasion, is joined by some of its most faithful companions: Martha Argerich, Lahav Shani and, notably, Gábor Takács-Nagy, Musical Director of the VFCO.

Pre-bookings available until Friday 24 July, 12:00 PM.

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The Verbier Festival wishes to express its deepest gratitude to its patrons, sponsors, partners and public institutions for their support and generous contributions.