Superar Suisse
Superar Suisse is a Swiss non-profit that delivers free, intensive ensemble-based orchestra and choir education to over 300 children and youth annually across three cantons, funded by public grants, foundations, donations, and membership fees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersZürich, Switzerland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Superar Suisse does
Superar Suisse is a Swiss non-profit association (Gemeinnütziger Verein) founded in 2012 by Anna-Valentina Cenariu, Marco Castellini, and Etienne Abelin to provide free, high-frequency ensemble-based music education to children and youth from disadvantaged and migrant backgrounds. The organization operates orchestra and choir programs across six sites in three cantons — Basel-Stadt (Orchestra Basel at Schule Bläsi, Choir Basel at Schule Brunnmatt), Zürich (Orchestra Zürich at ref. Markuskirche Seebach and GZ Seebach, Choir Winterthur at Schule Sennhof, Choir Feuerthalen), and Ticino (Orchestra Lugano at Schule Cassarate) — serving over 300 children annually from approximately 20 nationalities.
The core technology is an ensemble-based pedagogy combining professional orchestra and choir instruction with 3-5 sessions per week, integrating peer mentoring, small-group section rehearsals, and individual support within a collaborative learning environment. The methodology was co-developed with FHNW (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz) and is formalized through the JUMP child and youth protection policy. Instrument provision, professional artist instruction, and culminating public performances at prestigious venues — including Tonhalle Zürich, LAC Lugano, Theater Basel, and KKL Luzern — form the operational backbone.
Revenue is generated through four streams: annual membership fees from approximately 150 individual and corporate members (100-200 CHF), donations, concert ticket sales, and — most materially — public funding from federal and municipal bodies (BAK, BSV, Stadt Winterthur, Commune di Lugano) alongside foundation grants from Hilti Foundation, Migros Kulturprozent, and Clariant. The music education program itself is free to all participants, with no fee charged to children or families. Superar Suisse functions as the Swiss node of the broader Superar International network, which spans seven European countries and serves approximately 3,000 children collectively.
Superar Suisse firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Superar Suisse
- Legal name
- Superar Suisse
- Website
- https://superarsuisse.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Superar Suisse is a Swiss non-profit that delivers free, intensive ensemble-based orchestra and choir education to over 300 children and youth annually across three cantons, funded by public grants, foundations, donations, and membership fees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Superar Suisse industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Music Education
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Musical Groups and Artists (71113)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Performing Arts Programs (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater) (EDAJAJAE), Children’s & Youth Theatre (MPAGABAE)
Keywords
Where Superar Suisse is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zürich
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Superar Suisse business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Membership fees: Annual membership fees from 150 individual and organizational members provide baseline funding. Fees range from 100 CHF (individual) to 200 CHF (corporate/patron).
- Donations: Individual donations support concert organization and teaching expenses. Bank transfer details provided for one-time contributions.
- Concert revenues: Ticket sales from concerts in prestigious venues like Tonhalle Zürich and LAC Lugano generate some revenue.
- Public funding and foundation grants: Funding from federal and municipal government bodies (BAK, BSV, Stadt Winterthur, Commune di Lugano) and private foundations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Private Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Family Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Patron Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate Membership |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Superar Suisse product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Superar Suisse provides free, high-frequency ensemble-based music education (orchestra and choir) to children and youth in Switzerland, primarily from disadvantaged and migrant backgrounds. Programs operate at multiple school and community venues across the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Zürich, and Ticino, with 3-5 group sessions per week, culminating in performances at prestigious venues such as Tonhalle Zürich and LAC Lugano.
Product overview
Superar Suisse is a non-profit organization offering free, high-frequency ensemble-based music education (orchestra and choir) to children and youth in Switzerland. The organization operates across three cantons (Basel-Stadt, Ticino, and Zürich) through multiple local programs including Orchestra Basel, Orchestra Zürich, Orchestra Lugano, Choir Basel, Choir Winterthur, and Choir Feuerthalen. All programs follow an intensive ensemble-learning methodology with multiple weekly sessions, and students perform regularly at prestigious venues. Advanced students can join the FUTURAR Ensemble upon completing the program. The offerings also include the SuperStart pre-orchestra program for younger children.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Orchestra Basel Free orchestral music instruction program for children and youth in Basel, held at Primarschule Bläsi. Part of the ensemble-based learning approach with multiple lessons per week.
- Orchestra Zürich Free orchestral music instruction program for children and youth in Zürich, conducted at ref. Markuskirche Seebach and GZ Seebach. Provides ensemble-based group lessons multiple times per week.
- Orchestra Lugano Free orchestral music instruction program for children and youth in Ticino, held at Scuola Cassarate in Lugano. Offers ensemble-based group instruction as part of the Superar method.
- Choir Basel Free choral music instruction program for children and youth in Basel, held at Primarschule Brunnmatt. Focuses on ensemble singing with multiple weekly sessions.
- Choir Winterthur Free choral music instruction program for children in Winterthur, held at Schule Sennhof. Provides ensemble-based group choir instruction.
- Choir Feuerthalen Free choral music instruction program for children in Feuerthalen, held at Schule Feuerthalen. Part of the ensemble-based music education approach.
- FUTURAR Ensemble Advanced music ensemble for young adults aged 14-20 who have completed the Superar program. Provides opportunities for young musicians to continue growing through performances and mentorship.
- SuperStart Program Pre-orchestra introduction program for younger children to develop foundational musical skills before joining the main orchestra ensembles.
- Concerts and Performances Regular concert appearances at prestigious venues including Tonhalle Zürich, LAC Lugano, Theater Basel, and international locations. Includes annual major concerts and collaborative performances with partner organizations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 300 children and youth participate annually in the program
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Superar Suisse
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Superar Suisse technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature1 record
Superar Suisse partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Superar (Vienna)flagshipParent organization and partner association of Superar in Vienna. Superar International network spans 7 European countries caring for approximately 3000 children. Provides methodology, best practices, and international exchange opportunities.
- LAC Lugano Arte e CulturacoreRegular concert venue partner. Superar Suisse performs annual concerts at the LAC venue in Lugano as a major highlight of their programming.
- Tonhalle-Gesellschaft ZürichcorePrestigious concert venue partner. Superar Suisse holds annual summer concerts at the Tonhalle Zürich, a renowned concert hall.
- La CetracoreCollaboration partner for baroque music projects including the Mitsing-Messiah performances at Stadtcasino Basel and the 'Una festa barocca' participatory concerts.
- ImmaginArte VareseminorItalian partner from Varese in the international Superar network. Participates in joint concerts and exchange programs.
- KidzCompany Breaking WavesminorCollaboration partner for the 2026 summer concert at Tonhalle Zürich, providing choreography and coordination for the performance.
- FHNW (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz)coreAcademic research partner. Together with FHNW, Superar Suisse developed the JUMP child and youth protection policy and conducts ongoing research into music education methodology.
- Lucerne FestivalcoreAnnual participation in Lucerne Festival programming including Ark Nova performances, Forward Festival contributions, and summer concerts at KKL Luzern.
- Eurovision 2025 BaselminorPublic Value Project partner for 2025 Eurovision. Superar Suisse children performed at Eurovision Square and in Basel nursing homes as part of ESC programming.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Superar Suisse competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- El Sistema (Fundación Musical Simón Bolívar): Venezuelan origin of the intensive ensemble-based music education movement that Superar Suisse is modeled on. Closest methodological equivalent and global reference point for social-impact orchestra programs for children.
- Sistema Sweden (El Sistema Sverige): Swedish non-profit running free ensemble music education for children, part of the wider European El Sistema movement. Highly comparable European social-music-ed charity model.
- Sistema Hungary / Superar Hungary: Network partner in the Superar International umbrella, running free ensemble music programs for children in Hungary. Shares direct branding, methodology, and exchange programming.
- Big Noise (Sistema Scotland): Scottish charity running free, intensive ensemble music programs for children in disadvantaged communities. Directly comparable mission, methodology, and target demographic.
- OrchKids (Baltimore): Baltimore-based El Sistema-inspired program providing free music education to children from Baltimore's most underserved communities. Comparable intensive after-school model and ensemble focus.
- Jeunesses Musicales International: Global network supporting youth music education and access, with member organizations across Europe and beyond. Comparable audience (children/youth) and educational mission across music genres.
- In Harmony / Sistema England: UK-based adaptation of the El Sistema model delivering free ensemble music education to children in low-income areas. Operates with similar funding mix (government, foundations, donations) and educational partnerships.
- Superar (Vienna): Parent organization of the Superar network, founded in Vienna and adopting the same ensemble-based music education model for children in disadvantaged communities. Direct peer sharing methodology, branding, and international coordination.
Emerging players
- Crescendo Music Education: Emerging non-profit delivering music education to underserved children in the US. Smaller scale but comparable mission and ensemble-based format.
Others
- Hilti Foundation Music Programs: Major foundation backer of Superar Suisse with parallel interest in music education and youth development globally. Comparable ecosystem player rather than direct operator.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Superar Suisse social profiles
Digital presenceSuperar Suisse financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Superar Suisse leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Superar Suisse funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Superar Suisse M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Superar Suisse
What does Superar Suisse do?
Superar Suisse provides free, high-frequency ensemble-based music education (orchestra and choir) to children and youth in Switzerland, primarily from disadvantaged and migrant backgrounds. Programs operate at multiple school and community venues across the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Zürich, and Ticino, with 3-5 group sessions per week, culminating in performances at prestigious venues such as Tonhalle Zürich and LAC Lugano.
When was Superar Suisse founded?
Superar Suisse was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Superar Suisse based?
Superar Suisse is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Superar Suisse make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership fees are the primary driver. The others are donations, concert revenues and public funding and foundation grants.
Who are Superar Suisse's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are El Sistema (Fundación Musical Simón Bolívar), Sistema Sweden (El Sistema Sverige), Sistema Hungary / Superar Hungary, Big Noise (Sistema Scotland), OrchKids (Baltimore), Jeunesses Musicales International, In Harmony / Sistema England and Superar (Vienna). Crescendo Music Education is listed as an emerging player. Hilti Foundation Music Programs is listed as an others.
Does Superar Suisse have an API?
No public API is recorded for Superar Suisse.
What industry is Superar Suisse in?
Superar Suisse's product category is Music Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMANAC, Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir), with a secondary code of EDAJAJAE, Performing Arts Programs (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater). Its NAICS code is 61161 and its SIC code is 7990.