At the heart of the Empyrean Orchestra lies the fusion of tradition and contemporary spirit, alongside the creation of innovative concert formats – incorporating technological integration, participatory elements and exclusive programmes in intimate settings.

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A central pillar of its work is the support of young talent. Emerging soloists are offered a platform for artistic development, while the Empyrean Orchestra brings together young, highly qualified musicians from Switzerland and abroad, with a particular focus on the Swiss freelance scene, reflecting the country’s rich musical heritage in a compelling way.

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The Empyrean Orchestra is committed not only to musical excellence on stage, but also to the musical education of the next generation. With the founding of the Empyrean Academy for Children, the orchestra has created a creative platform where children of all ages can explore and discover music, perform in ensembles and gain their first experiences in conducting – even without prior knowledge. Each year, a side-by-side project allows participants to present what they have learned together with the professional musicians of the Empyrean Orchestra at the Tonhalle Zürich. The Academy takes place weekly during the semester and is led by conductor and artistic director Kevin Griffiths together with musicians of the Empyrean Orchestra. Through this initiative, the orchestra combines artistic creation with sustainable talent development, contributing to long-term cultural growth.

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The orchestra has already collaborated with renowned soloists such as Kian Soltani, Äneas Humm, Svetlin Roussev, Alexandre Dubach and Maurice Steger, as well as with the Zürcher Sängerknaben. Contemporary music also holds an important place in its repertoire, including works by Ruth Dürrenmatt, daughter of the renowned writer, and the young Swiss composer Joel Henrik Helle.

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The ensemble performs regularly at the Tonhalle Zürich and is also involved in charitable initiatives, including the annual benefit concert of the organisation Artists For A Better Planet at the Grossmünster and Fraumünster Zürich in support of disadvantaged children in social crisis areas and war-affected regions. The orchestra has also appeared at special private events, including performances at the Zunft zur Meisen Zürich and at Schiffbau Zürich for the Helsana Group; on the latter occasion, the sitting President of the Swiss Confederation was among those in attendance.

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In the long term, the Empyrean Orchestra aims to establish itself as an orchestra of international standing – an artistic voice distinguished by excellence, cultural responsibility and creative vitality, securing a lasting place within the international music landscape. The orchestra sees itself not only as a performing ensemble on stage, but as a vibrant centre of artistic dialogue: a space for vision, where talent grows, ideas take shape and community is experienced through music.