Guest ensembles and series

Founded in 1962 as a flexible formation without a conductor, the CAMERATA BERN shortly became an internationally recognised chamber orchestra, its members being outstanding soloists.

Under the artistic direction of Antje Weithaas, as well as various guests such as Erich Höbarth, Pekka Kuusisto, Amandine Beyer, Rachel Podger and Enrico Onofri, their playing is characterised by a subtle and absolutely homogeneous sound culture, freshness and exceptional stylistic confidence in all areas of the repertoire. CAMERATA BERN cultivates a dialogue both with historically informed performance practice on historic instruments as well as with the music of our time.

CAMERATA BERN

Since 2008, Bern's orchestra for Early Music Les Passions de l'Âme has been providing fresh listening under the artistic direction of violinist Meret Lüthi.

Lively interpretations on historical instruments are the hallmark of the international orchestra based in Bern, which "brings a breath of fresh air to the sometimes brittle classical music scene" (Berner Zeitung 2010).

The musicians of Les Passions de l'Âme are internationally active specialists in early music and work as soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral musicians as well as lecturers for institutions such as the Fribourg Baroque Orchestra, the Belgian Baroque Orchestra Ghent B'Rock, the Antwerp Conservatoire and the Bern University of the Arts.

The name of the orchestra refers to an essay by René Descartes from 1649, in which the philosopher speaks of the passion that mediates between body and soul. It is precisely in this mediating function that the ensemble also sees the music and turns "les passions" into a direct experience in concert.

Les Passions de l'Âme

The Piano Trio Fest is the only piano trio festival in the world. It has become a permanent presence on the Bernese and Swiss cultural scene.

Each festival edition sets new standards and brings together different instruments and styles in a musical triangular format. Renowned local and international musicians perform together with promising young talents. Big names and up-and-coming talents complement and inspire each other.

Piano Trio Fest

What characterises the pianist of the future? This question formed the basis for the creation of the "Young Piano Series" and has accompanied us ever since in the development and organisation of this new concert series in Bern.

As a mediation platform between artists and audiences, the "Young Piano Series" aims to assume long-term responsibility for the classical music of tomorrow and to appeal to and inspire a diverse audience with unique and accessible concert experiences. Our concerts are accompanied by supporting events such as workshops and encounters. The soloists are chosen through a contemporary selection process.

Young Piano Series

The Tharice Virtuosi are a string ensemble of highly trained soloists who inspire with their virtuosity, instrumental skills and joy of playing.

The ensemble brings together musicians who are active worldwide as soloists, chamber musicians or in leading positions in renowned orchestras and universities. They play in a completely unconventional formation, in which each individual from the virtuoso ensemble appears as a soloist and performs the self-arranged works in a very personal way. The ensemble is characterised by deep human and musical warmth, the roots of which were laid during their time together at the International Menuhin Music Academy Gstaad with Lord Yehudi Menuhin and Alberto Lysy.

Tharice Virtuosi