For the first time in its history, the renowned Swiss wind orchestra La Landwehr de Fribourg, one of Europe’s oldest and most distinguished musical ensembles, will travel to Central Asia and perform in Bishkek. Organized by the KSB Commercial Bank and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic, the visit will take place from 18 to 23 October 2026 and will offer audiences a rich programme of concerts and cultural events. The orchestra is widely regarded as an important cultural symbol of French-speaking Switzerland.
La Landwehr de Fribourg is the official musical ensemble of the Canton and City of Fribourg and traces its origins back to 1804, when it was founded as a military band. More than two centuries later, the legacy of its founders lives on through an ensemble of around 100 musicians under the direction of Benoît Hayoz, a Swiss conductor, composer and lecturer at the Fribourg University of Music. The orchestra actively preserves and promotes its rich musical heritage through its music school, where younger generations of musicians learn from experienced performers and continue longstanding traditions.
Over its more than 220-year history, La Landwehr de Fribourg has represented Switzerland at state ceremonies, official receptions and international cultural events, performing on stages across nearly every continent, from Tokyo to Dakar, Toronto to Tehran, and Washington to Mumbai. Among the prestigious venues where the orchestra has appeared are Carnegie Hall in New York, the Sydney Opera House, and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
The orchestra will be accompanied by H.E. Mr. Pierre-André Page, who serves both as President of La Landwehr de Fribourg and President of the National Council of the Federal Assembly (Swiss Parliament). During his visit, Mr. Page is expected to meet with representatives of the Kyrgyz Government and Parliament, further strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation between Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan.
The visit to Bishkek will mark the orchestra’s first-ever performance in Central Asia.
From 18 to 23 October, residents and guests of Bishkek will have the opportunity to experience the orchestra’s artistry through a diverse programme of performances, highlighting both Switzerland’s rich musical traditions and the power of cultural exchange between nations.
VISIT PROGRAMME
18 October | Festive Parade on Erkindik Boulevard | 13:00
The parade will begin at the intersection of Erkindik Boulevard and J. Bokonbaev Street and conclude at the National History Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic. Audiences will enjoy performances by the General Staff Orchestra of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic and La Landwehr de Fribourg. Free admission.
21 October | Master Class at the Kyrgyz National Conservatory named after K. Moldobasanov | 12:00
Musicians from La Landwehr de Fribourg will share their expertise and experience with students of the Wind and Percussion Instruments Department. On the same day, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Swiss orchestra and the Conservatory will be signed, reaffirming the longstanding cultural ties and partnership.
22 October | Gala Concert at the A. Maldybaev Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre | 19:00
The evening will feature a performance by the legendary Swiss wind orchestra La Landwehr de Fribourg. The programme will include works from the orchestra’s repertoire as well as compositions by Kyrgyz composers. The highlight of the evening will be a unique musical collaboration: for the first time, traditional Kyrgyz instruments will perform alongside a Western European wind orchestra.
Tickets for the 22 October concert are available at Ticket.kg.
For further information: (0773) 777-277 (WhatsApp) 2424 – KSB Bank Contact Centre
More information: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcflQsijpEM/