Harmonic Progression is the first Swiss not-for-profit association dedicated to sustainability in classical music. Based in Vevey, we aim to inspire the entire classical music community – from musicians to audiences – to embrace environmental awareness and action. Through innovative personal and digital campaigns, we connect music with sustainability to create meaningful change in our industry.

Raising awareness

We think that the vast majority of people want to do good. Yes, our current way of life is destroying our home, the planet. But most individuals are not destructive; they strive to be helpful and positive.

That goes for the people in classical music too.

So what’s stopping those of us in classical music doing more for the planet? We’ve got a few theories:

• Perhaps we believe as individuals, or even as an industry, that our actions don’t have much of an impact. Some say “Why bother?” We’re no-where near as big as other industries.

• We aren’t really aware of the facts. For example, when a festival orders t-shirts for their participants, does anyone involved know that making a cotton t-shirt uses 2,500 litres of clean water? When they invite a conductor from far away, how many people are aware that often just one long distance flight emits more Co2 than what’s recommended by scientists that 1 person uses in a whole year?

• We aren’t aware of just how much we can inspire those around us. When we make changes in our own lives, we plant seeds in those around us. Those seeds can grow slowly, so we may not notice them develop.

• We’re all so busy - how many people find the time to deal with this issue?

Harmonic Progression is here to help.

We want to make sure that everyone in classical music:

• Knows that their actions count. Positive change is made up of millions of people making more and more choices that take the planet into consideration. Each of us can play an important role in that change.

• Is aware of how our actions have an impact on the planet - we want to give people the facts, so that they can adapt their choices with the health of our planet in mind.

• Realises how much we can inspire those around us - not by judging or telling them what to do, but by opening up to doing things differently in our own lives.

That’s why Harmonic Progression runs workshops, spreads positive news and ideas, and creates a platform for celebration and dialogue.

Campaigns

Our campaigns aim to give people in classical music a chance to start helping today.

Strings4All

Strings4All is an awareness campaign that addresses sustainability in classical music through practical action. We collect used violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, and harp strings, from musicians in Switzerland, Europe, the United States and Australasia, and redistribute them to musicians in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico and Thailand, where the high cost of strings often forces musicians to stop playing. To date, more than 15,000 strings have been successfully given new life through this campaign, supporting both environmental sustainability and musical education worldwide.

Our aim is to have a Strings4All box in each concert hall on the planet, so that musicians always have the opportunity to give away their used strings, and so that we collect enough strings. No-one should have to give up playing music because they can’t afford strings.

Click here to find out how you can get involved.

One Task a Month

Inspiring people in classical music to take on one sustainable task a month.

We give ideas of what each of us can do, in an accessible, fun and informal way.

We create groups so that we each feel supported in trying out new ways of doing things.

Help to make changes across the classical music world by taking on small challenges and inspiring others to do the same.

Eco Workshops

Specially developed workshops, led by Harmonic Progression's founder Sam Goldscheider, for music conservatoires, concert organisers, artist agencies and ensembles in Switzerland and other European countries. These free, interactive workshops provide a unique platform for active dialogue about sustainability in the classical music sector. In 2024, 13 successful workshops have already been conducted, with over 18 more planned for 2025 in Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Online Networking Meetings

Online meetings for representatives of Swiss music institutions to exchange ideas about sustainable practices in classical music. The aim is to build a strong network for ecological innovation within the sector.

Climate Concerts

Interactive concert formats that combine musical performances with elements from Eco Workshops. These free events create a unique space for exchanging ideas about sustainability – both through dialogue with the audience and among participating local musicians. The concerts feature specially selected repertoire focussing on climate, nature and environmental themes. Audiences are encouraged to actively ask questions, share ideas and engage in discussions about sustainability.