The Lucerne Festival‘s Executive and Artistic Director has decided to step down after 26 years.

The company said Michael Haefliger decided not to extend his contract and will end his term in 2025. As a result, the Board of Trustees has appointed a committee to conduct an international search for his successor.

Haefliger started leading the Lucerne Festival in 1999 and noted, “Naturally, this decision was not easy for me. But by the end of 2025, I will have directed Lucerne Festival for 26 years. That is a very long time in which I have had the privilege, honor, and pleasure to develop and shape this unique festival. I am very proud of and grateful for what we have been able to achieve during this time, together with the team and our many loyal partners, as well as with the support of the city and canton of Lucerne. It is the right moment to pass this jewel along into new hands. But before that, I will devote myself to the Festival over the next three years with great passion and energy — this has not changed. I look forward to everything that is yet to come.”

The Board of Trustees plans to make its decision and announce Michael Haefliger’s successor by the fourth quarter of 2023.