The news was communicated by the Institution's bodies, first – as is right – to the musicians and the administrative staff, then to the journalists: Barbara Widmer has decided to leave the role of Artistic Director of theOrchestra of Italian Switzerland (OSI). The choice, motivated by personal reasons, marks the conclusion of a journey that began sixteen years ago and has developed with ever-increasing operational and strategic responsibilities within the Foundation for the Orchestra of Italian Switzerland (FOSI).
Initially joining as an artistic assistant, Widmer gradually assumed an increasingly central role in the Orchestra's organizational structure, eventually becoming Production Manager and a member of the FOSI Board of Directors. She served as Artistic Director for four years, leading the OSI through a particularly complex and crucial phase.
During Widmer's tenure , the Orchestra underwent significant structural changes, facing managerial and artistic challenges that required a rethinking of its organizational models. At the same time, the ten-year cycle with Principal Conductor Markus Poschner concluded , a transition that helped redefine the ensemble's artistic identity. Today, the OSI presents itself as a consolidated entity, in a phase of recognized maturity, considered among the most significant in recent history.
Widmer's work has been characterized by continuity and constant attention to the quality of programming, with the aim of strengthening the Orchestra's ties with the Ticino region without sacrificing its national and international reach. Particular attention has been paid to new generations, both on the public level and on that of artistic planning, placing the OSI in an increasingly open dialogue with the contemporary cultural context.
Aware of the institutional responsibility of her role, Barbara Widmer immediately informed the FOSI Foundation Board of the need to begin the search for a new Artistic Director. The stated goal is to ensure an orderly transition, carefully constructed and timely, so that the changeover can take place by the start of the next season , without disruption to the Orchestra.
In the meantime, the Director will remain fully operational: she will present the 2026/27 Season and complete the programming for the following 2027/28, ensuring artistic stability during the transition period.
The Foundation Board explicitly acknowledged the work done. The President Mario Postizzi He expressed his appreciation for what he described as an effective and constructive collaboration, emphasizing Widmer's contribution to defining high-profile programs and building a network of relationships that has brought top-level conductors and soloists to Lugano, with positive repercussions on the entire music scene.
Organizationally, continuity of management is guaranteed under the co-directorship adopted to date. Administrative Director Samuel Flury will continue to ensure the full operation of the organization, supporting the Orchestra even in the phase following the artistic changeover.
In her farewell message, Barbara Widmer thanked the Foundation Board, the musicians, the staff, and the audience, emphasizing the human and professional value of shared work and the personal growth she has developed over the years within the OSI.
