The first Lucerne Festival in central Switzerland, where Wagner and Rachmaninoff once lived, opened in 1938 as war clouds gathered over Europe. Musicians shut out of Salzburg by the Nazis gathered on Lake Lucerne's shores.
Wagner's house on Tribschen peninsula became a venue. Orchestras from French-speaking Switzerland, Zurich Tonhalle, and Basel assembled under Toscanini for the opening.
Interrupted by war, the festival has been annual with themes since 1970.
Lucerne's covered wooden Kapellbrucke over the Reuss, built in the 14th century as part of fortifications, is a major sight.
The Mainichi Newspapers in Palaceside Building hosts the Japan Music Competition, whose winners include world artists who have played Lucerne. Sisters performing in the square — photo — make a charming scene.