Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Switzerland

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Bern Chamber Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Bern, Switzerland. The choir was founded in 1960 by Fritz Näf, a Swiss conductor and music educator. Näf had a vision of creating a professional-level choir that would perform a wide range of choral music, from early music to contemporary works. Under Näf's leadership, the Bern Chamber Choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence. The choir's first major performance was in 1961, when they performed Bach's Mass in B Minor at the Bern Cathedral. The performance was a resounding success, and the choir began to receive invitations to perform at other venues throughout Switzerland and Europe. Over the years, the Bern Chamber Choir has performed with many notable conductors and soloists, including Claudio Abbado, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Cecilia Bartoli. The choir has also collaborated with many orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of the Bern Chamber Choir's career was their performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1985. The performance was conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt and featured soloists such as Kurt Equiluz and Robert Holl. The performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and musical precision. In addition to their performances of classical choral works, the Bern Chamber Choir has also been a champion of contemporary music. The choir has commissioned and premiered works by many contemporary composers, including Arvo Pärt, György Ligeti, and Sofia Gubaidulina. The Bern Chamber Choir has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 1989, the choir was awarded the Swiss Music Prize, which is the highest honor for music in Switzerland. The choir has also won several international competitions, including the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy, and the European Broadcasting Union's Let the Peoples Sing competition. In 2001, Fritz Näf retired as the choir's conductor, and he was succeeded by Nicolas Fink. Under Fink's leadership, the Bern Chamber Choir has continued to thrive and expand its repertoire. The choir has also continued to collaborate with many notable conductors and soloists, including Sir Simon Rattle and Anne Sofie von Otter. Today, the Bern Chamber Choir is recognized as one of the finest choral ensembles in the world. The choir's commitment to excellence and its dedication to performing a wide range of choral music have made it a beloved institution in Switzerland and beyond.

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