Carla Schwöbel-Braun, what did it mean for you to pass the philanthropic torch to your daughters? Was it a natural transition or did it require a shared journey of awareness?
«Everything evolved very naturally – and, from my perspective, quite unexpectedly. It was never something we planned. Through my various engagements, I met many fascinating people who became friends and often visited our home. My daughters grew up in this private yet inspiring environment. Our home was always open to music, theatre, and culture, and this atmosphere naturally guided me toward supporting these areas. Over time, my daughters became increasingly interested in the commitments that shaped my life.
At the same time, our family’s sense of social responsibility was deeply rooted in the company’s long-standing commitment to the community. Children are our future. Our focus has consistently been on fostering potential and giving young people the opportunities they deserve.
Looking back, I would say that passing the philanthropic torch to my daughters was not a single moment but a gradual, shared journey of awareness – one that unfolded over the course of their childhood».
You witnessed the birth and growth of cultural projects like the KKL and the Lucerne Festival. What was the most moving moment in that journey?
«The opening evening, under a full moon, was an especially moving moment for me – one I will never forget. Yet beyond that memorable night, there have been countless beautiful and touching concerts over the years. Seeing the audience’s enthusiasm again and again has always filled me with joy.
It has also been deeply meaningful to witness how the KKL gradually became a true home for the people of Lucerne. That did not happen overnight; it required time, patience, and its own natural process. In the beginning, there was a certain reserve, a sense of distance. Today, it is embraced wholeheartedly – a house of the people of Lucerne that welcomes the world and invites the finest musicians from around the globe».
In your cultural engagement, you’ve often chosen to act behind the scenes. What led you to embrace this discreet approach?
«I never considered myself important in this context. For me, the projects have always mattered far more than my own visibility. What truly counts is what they contribute to people’s lives, not the person standing behind them».
How did you experience the shift from being a “newcomer” to becoming an integrated and influential figure in Lucerne’s cultural life?
«In the beginning, I struggled with it. Losing my anonymity was not easy for me, and I often wished I could simply blend in as I had before. But over time, something very warm happened: I began to feel truly seen – not for status or position, but simply as myself.
The people of Lucerne have a sincerity and kindness that touched me deeply. Little by little, I felt embraced by the community, and that sense of belonging became very precious to me. I can honestly say that I feel completely at home here. I would not want to live anywhere else.
That is why, all those years ago – nearly forty now – I made the very personal decision to become Swiss. It felt like the natural next step in a place that had quietly become my home».
You’ve spoken of a turning point when you obtained Swiss citizenship. How did that change your way of practicing philanthropy?
«In truth, obtaining Swiss citizenship did not change my philanthropic commitments. My engagement has never depended on a passport. What matters to me are the people, the projects, and the needs I encounter – not my nationality. Becoming Swiss was a personal milestone, but it did not alter the way I practice philanthropy».
In your work with the KKL’s Trägerstiftung, you’ve faced moments of dialogue and delicate decisions. How do you manage conversations within a community of philanthropist and visionaries?
«That is a difficult question to answer. In such moments, I have always tried, first and foremost, to listen – truly listen – to everyone involved, without rushing to any judgment. Only after taking in the different perspectives would I offer my own convictions to the discussion. Sometimes they resonated, sometimes they did not, but most of the time this respectful exchange led us toward good solutions. In the end, it was the process of listening, reflecting, and contributing calmly that made dialogue possible».
You supported the Lucerne Festival Academy, founded by Pierre Boulez. What value do you place on musical education for younger generations?
«At the beginning, it was simply my own curiosity that drew me to the Academy. I wanted to understand how the music of the 20th and 21st centuries would continue to evolve through the younger generation. Classical music must never stand still. It has always been in motion, always transforming from one generation to the next. That process must not suddenly come to a halt. With the solid foundation of the classical tradition, young musicians should engage with contemporary music and bring it to life in their own way.
The value of musical education for young people is therefore immense. It helps them understand where we come from and what shapes our cultural heritage. At the same time, contemporary music shows them how classical foundations can be reinterpreted and carried into the present.
Over the years, I have come to realize that looking ahead is, in many ways, rooted in the past. In this way, something new arises and moments of brilliance unfold».
What does “investing in culture” mean to you? Is it an act of trust, responsibility, or love?
All of them – trust, responsibility, and love. And sometimes it is also a risk. You can never be one hundred percent certain that a project will succeed. Investing in culture is always an adventure, guided by passion and sustained by love».
Have you ever had doubts about the meaning of your commitment? If so, what helped you regain motivation?
«No, I never had any doubts. There were challenging moments, of course, but the meaning of my commitment was always clear to me. Whenever I felt tired or uncertain about the next step, the joy in the eyes of others – in a concert hall, at a cultural event, or within a project I supported – reminded me why I began in the first place. That sense of purpose has accompanied me throughout my life, and it has always renewed my motivation».
Looking ahead, what advice would you give to those who want to engage in cultural patronage today, in a world that feels increasingly fragmented?
«Be curious and open-minded – and do not be discouraged when things do not unfold exactly as you expected. Life is always a process. Cultural engagement is a journey, and you never truly know where it will lead you. That uncertainty is part of its beauty.
Pierre Boulez once said that music is “a labyrinth without beginning and without end, full of new paths to discover, where the mystery remains eternal”. I believe the same is true for cultural patronage. It requires patience, trust, and a willingness to explore.
The verb “to become” has always been important to me, regardless of age. In that sense, I continue to shape my life – and I encourage others to embrace that same spirit of continuous becoming».
Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein: philanthropy as a family vocation
