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Bern Symphony Orchestra on the Bundesplatz at the BSO Openair at dusk

Classical open-air concert on Bundesplatz

In August, all of Bern is invited on a musical journey at twilight with the Bern Symphony Orchestra. Acting as the stage is Bundesplatz – Switzerland’s most beautiful alfresco concert setting with the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) as a spectacular backdrop. And just a few days later, Bühnen Bern’s Theaterfest offers a look behind the scenes of the theatre world.
23August 2025
Past event
TOP-EVENT

Two big events in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town will kick off Bühnen Bern’s new season. On 23 August, Bundesplatz will turn into a stage for classical music: Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and Leonard Bernstein are just a few of the great names whose works will be performed by the Bern Symphony Orchestra in front of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building). The concert is also the Bern debut of musical director Alevtina Ioffe, who has taken up the position of chief conductor of Oper Bern with the beginning of the season. If the weather doesn’t allow for an outdoor event, the concert will take place at Casino Bern.

Click here for the full programme of the open-air concert.

The picture shows a magnificent theatre hall with elaborately decorated balconies and an artistically painted ceiling. The audience looks on in anticipation. The atmosphere is solemn and expectant, while quiet conversations heighten the anticipation.
© Stadttheater Bern

On 30 August, discover the world of theatre in Bern: Bühnen Bern is inviting you to explore their workings and projects, with activities between Kornhausplatz and Nägeligasse in the heart of the city as well as in the Stadttheater itself. Guided tours take you behind the scenes of the different establishments and studios, and you can catch first glimpses of upcoming productions at readings, concerts and different theatre-related activities. For the younger audience, there’s an extensive children’s programme with creative workshops and more.

Find the complete programme of the Theaterfest here.

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Auf dem Bild sieht man das Berner Kammerorchester während eines Auftritts im prachtvollem Saal des Casino Berns mit einem großen Kronleuchter. Musikerinnen und Musiker sind in formeller Kleidung auf der Bühne zu sehen, umgeben von einem gefüllten Zuschauerraum. Die Stimmung ist feierlich und elegant, passend zu einem klassischen Musikereignis

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