The celebrated Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly is set to return to Paraguay for a special concert with the City of Asunción Symphony Orchestra (OSCA). The performance, conducted by Maestro Luis Szaran, will take place on 1 October 2026, at 20:00 in the Teatro Municipal de Asunción. The event will be free and open to the public.
This concert marks Kolly’s first performance in the country in 12 years. She is scheduled to perform two significant works from the violin repertoire: Max Bruch’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in G minor, Op. 26, and Camille Saint-Saëns’ renowned piece, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.
A programme of youthful genius and romantic passion
The chosen works promise a rich musical experience for the audience. Bruch’s violin concerto, completed in 1867, is one of the most popular and beloved concertos in the Romantic canon, admired for its passionate and lyrical melodies. Similarly, the piece by Saint-Saëns was written in 1863 for the violin virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate and remains a favourite showcase of technical skill and artistic expression.
The orchestra will complete the programme with Georges Bizet’s Symphony in C major. Remarkably, Bizet composed this work in 1855 at the age of just 17. The symphony remained undiscovered and unperformed for decades after his death, only receiving its premiere in 1935, but has since been recognised as a masterpiece of youthful brilliance and has become a staple of the symphonic repertoire.
About Rachel Kolly
Considered one of the leading figures of the Swiss violin school, Rachel Kolly began her musical training at the Lausanne Conservatory before continuing her studies at the University of Music and Dramatic Art in Bern. Throughout her distinguished career, she has performed as a soloist with acclaimed orchestras across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Kolly has also participated in major international festivals and recorded for prominent record labels.
For her performances, the artist plays an exceptionally rare Antonio Stradivarius violin, which was constructed in 1732.
A strong bond with Paraguay
Kolly’s relationship with Paraguay extends beyond the concert hall. She has previously been involved in educational and social initiatives within the country, demonstrating a commitment to its cultural development. In the past, the violinist has offered masterclasses for children in vulnerable situations and collaborated with initiatives run by the Sonidos de la Tierra programme.
In recognition of her work with children and her previous performances with OSCA, the orchestra that recently held a free performance in Asunción’s Santísima Trinidad neighbourhood, Kolly was named an Honorary Citizen of Asunción. Her return is a much-anticipated event for the city’s classical music enthusiasts. The concert is presented by the Itaú Foundation and Petrobras. It is organised by the Philharmonic Society of Asunción and the General Directorate of Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Asunción.
For more information, find OSCA on Instagram.
