The Musicians The Mahler Chamber Orchestra Since its founding in 1997, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra has been dedicated to shaping a distinctive artistic voice defined by independence, agility and collaboration. True to its founding principles, the MCO is governed by its musicians, working in close partnership with its management team to sustain a dynamic and democratic organizational model. A truly international ensemble, the MCO has performed in over 40 countries across five continents, continuously expanding its artistic horizons. Its sound is distinguished by the transparency and intimacy of chamber music, an approach that celebrates the individuality and responsiveness of each musician. The repertoire, spanning the Viennese Classical and early Romantic periods to contemporary compositions and world premieres, reflects its exceptional versatility and commitment to musical exploration. The MCO’s artistic direction has been profoundly influenced by its founding mentor, Claudio Abbado, and by Conductor Laureate Daniel Harding, both of whom have left lasting imprints on its identity. Its evolving artistry is further shaped through long-term collaborations with its artistic partners, such as pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Yuja Wang. Concertmasters Matthew Truscott and José Maria Blumenschein regularly lead the orchestra in its chamber repertoire, while the partnership with Artistic Adviser Daniele Gatti focuses on symphonic works of greater scale and depth. Each summer, the MCO forms the core of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, continuing a longstanding partnership that unites some of the world’s finest musicians. Under the direction of Harding and Gatti, the orchestra regularly appears at leading concert halls and festivals across Europe. Since 2024, the MCO has also served as Artistic Director of Musikwoche Hitzacker, guiding the festival’s artistic vision over a five-year term. With its spirit of independence and collaboration, the MCO continues to redefine what it means to be a modern ensemble, one that connects artistry, community and innovation across borders.“The Mahler Chamber Orchestra is a true jewel among the symphony orchestras in the world, an ensemble defined by its chamber music spirit, where every musician contributes as an equal. It does more than perform music. It inspires, elevates and reminds us of the transformative power of making music together.” – Michael Haefliger, Former Executive and Artistic Director, Lucerne FestivalJon Batiste Jon Batiste is an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and singer, celebrated for his innovative contributions to jazz, pop and film music. Best known as the bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015- 2022), he blends the rich traditions of his New Orleans roots with contemporary funk, R&B and jazz. Batiste’s early work includes his 2005 instrumental debut, Times in New Orleans, and his ensemble Stay Human, formed in New York City. Their EP My N.Y. (2011), recorded on subway trains and street corners, was followed by the album Social Music (2013). Other notable releases include Christmas with Jon Batiste (2016), Hollywood Africans (2018) and the live albums Anatomy of Angels and Chronology of a Dream (2019). His 2020 releases included Meditations and the Black Lives Matter anthem “We Are”, followed by the full-length pop album We Are (2021) with collaborations including Mavis Staples and Zadie Smith. Most recently, he released World Music Radio (2023), featuring Lana Del Rey and Kenny G. In addition to recording, Batiste has composed and performed for film, including Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer (2012), Pixar’s Soul (2020) and the documentary The First Wave (2021). His work on Soul earned him an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, NAACP Image Award and a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack, making him the second Black musician, after Herbie Hancock, to win an Oscar for composition. His song, “It Never Went Away”, from American Symphony (2023) was also nominated for an Academy Award. As a performer, Batiste brought jazz to mainstream audiences on The Late Show, appearing on 338 episodes with Stay Human. He has won five Grammys from nearly 20 nominations, including Album of the Year for We Are (2022). Batiste is also a dedicated advocate for music education, serving as a travelling ambassador for Music Unites and co-artistic director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, reflecting his commitment to community, creativity and the transformative power of music. Jon Batiste is a 2026 Cultural LeaderRenaud Capuçon Renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon studied at the Paris Conservatory and later in Berlin with Thomas Brandis and Isaac Stern. A protégé of Claudio Abbado, he served as Concertmaster of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra before embarking on a distinguished international solo career. Today, he performs with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors and is equally celebrated as a chamber musician, collaborating with artists such as Martha Argerich, Yo-Yo Ma and Yuja Wang. Capuçon has served as Artistic Director of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra since 2021 and also directs the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival (which he founded) and the Evian Musical Encounters. His acclaimed recordings for Deutsche Grammophon include works by Mozart, Fauré and Richard Strauss, earning him widespread recognition and multiple awards. A dedicated educator at the Lausanne University of Music, he was honoured as a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2016, one of France’s highest distinctions. Renaud Capuçon is a 2026 Cultural Leader Image: World-renowned concert violinst Renaud Capuçon Photo: Universal Music Arts and Culture Programme Arts and Culture Programme Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 20268 9

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