Visitors enjoy a varied programme, from the award ceremony of the “Goldener Bogen” (golden bow) during the Meiringen Music Festival to the Swiss Chamber Music Festival in Adelboden. The event in Adelboden is very much influenced by the “Orpheus Competition”, which honours the best chamber music ensembles. Symphony orchestras, modernised versions and classical concerts bring a bit of variety to the noble type of music. In Gstaad, fans of classical music even get to gather twice a year thanks to the Menuhin Festival and the Sommets Musicaux. The village of Wengen has decided to focus its classical programme entirely on Mendelssohn to pay tribute to his achievements as conductor and representative of the early Romantic Era. Thun and Spiez create a festive atmosphere with their castle concerts.

If you prefer to listen to artists of the next generation, you won’t be disappointed in the Canton of Bern. The international Opernwerkstatt in Sigriswil, for example, puts aspiring opera stars in the limelight during the Festival of Young Voices. Zakhar Bron regularly gathers his biggest talents in an ensemble which can easily compete with the sounds of experienced orchestras. And during the Interlaken Classics, the world’s best youth orchestras outperform each other. The culinary programme which follows the performances is accentuated by symphony concerts.

klassikfestivals-berneroberland.ch (German)