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In the subdued lighting of the French Church in Bern, surrounded by the majestic arches and stained glass windows, the audience gathers for a concert at the music festival. The atmosphere is relaxed and reverent, with people lying or sitting on the floor, completely captivated by the sacred atmosphere and the preparatory sounds of the music.
In an urban contrast to classical music, the orchestra takes centre stage in the Great Hall of the Reitschule at the Bern Music Festival. The audience, surrounded by urban art, is mesmerised by the performance, which fills the air with sound and creates an unexpected harmony between traditional music and contemporary culture.
Behind the scenes at the Bern Music Festival: instruments wait silently for their musicians, while the rehearsal progresses gently in the background. There is concentrated anticipation in the air, a quiet immersion in the world of sounds and harmonies.

Musikfestival Bern

The Musikfestival Bern is one of Switzerland’s largest festivals of contemporary music, and each September it reinvents the way we listen to music.


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The range of styles is very broad and includes everything from ancient to contemporary music, and from improvised and experimental to electronic. Audiences from near and far are always thrilled by the surprising programming, innovative concert formats and unusual performance venues.

Music education is a key component of the festival and is included right from the initial planning stage. Various education projects allow different age and population groups to be involved, which enables broader access to the festival. With its “Inclusive Culture” label, the Musikfestival Bern encourages people with and without disabilities to participate in cultural activities.

The five-day festival, under the artistic leadership of a curatorial team, is held each September. It functions as a platform for the independent music scene in the city and canton of Bern and promotes collaboration and networking between Bern musicians and international guests.


Location

Waisenhausplatz 30
3011 Bern

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