Zentrum Paul Klee Bern Founded by Maurice E. and Martha Müller and the heirs of Paul Klee

Guest ensembles

Camerata Bern

Founded in 1963, inspired by the idea of a small, flexible formation performing without a conductor, the Camerata Bern developed rapidly into a chamber ensemble of worldwide standing. The 14 members of the ensemble are without exception all qualified soloists and chamber musicians. Their performances under the artistic direction of Erich Höbarth, guest directors Kolja Blacher, Christine Busch or Thomas Zehetmair amongst others, are distinguished by subtle and absolute homogeneity of sound, and a freshness and exceptional assurance in performance style in all areas of their varied repertoire, which stretches from the early Baroque to the present day. Thanks to their versatility and depth of expression, their stylistic assurance and virtuosity, their charisma, enthusiasm, dedication and spontaneity, the Camerata Bern counts as one of the leading chamber orchestras in Europe.

Les Passions de l’Ame

Les Passions de l’Ame, Bern’s resident early music ensemble directed by violinist Meret Lüthi, has been seeking to create fresh sounds since 2008. Lively interpretations on historical instruments are the trademark of this international orchestra that “brings fresh air to the occasionally stuffy classical music business” (Berner Zeitung 2010). 

The musicians of Les Passions de l’Ame are internationally renowned specialists in early music and work as soloists, chamber and orchestral musicians with ensembles such as the Freiburger Barockorchester and the Belgian Baroque Orchestra Ghent B’Rock. They also teach at the Antwerp Conservatoire and the Bern University of the Arts. 

The orchestra’s name refers to an essay written by René Descartes in 1649, in which the philosopher speaks of the passion which mediates between body and soul. The ensemble perceives music as having precisely this mediative role and aims to transmit “les passions” with immediacy in concert.

Tharice Virtuosi

The Tharice Virtuosi is a string ensemble made up of exceptionally qualified soloists, who enthrall through virtuosity, instrumental ability and enthusiasm. In the ensemble musicians come together who are active world-wide as soloists, chamber musicians or occupy principal posts in either famous orchestras or in conservatories. They play in completely unconventional combinations, whereby each individual from the virtuoso ensemble performs soloistically in works arranged by themselves in a completely personal manner. The ensemble is distinguished by a deep human and musical warmth, the roots of which stem from the time spent together in the International Menuhin Music Academy Gstaad with Lord Yehudi Menuhin and Alberto Lysy.