Since its inception in 1956, the Festival Strings Lucerne has embarked on numerous extensive tours across all five continents. The orchestra’s collaborations with exceptional musical partners have always played a key role in its development including its most recent with acclaimed violinist Midori.  The orchestra was founded as a string ensemble with harpsichord accompaniment and since 2012 has been under the artistic direction of Daniel Dodds. Under his leadership, the orchestra has performed an increasing amount of symphonic repertoire in expanded formations without a conductor, led by its concertmaster.