Berner Orgeltag

Description

Berner Orgeltag Discover, experience, and try the organ yourself On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Bern Organists' Association (BOV) invites you to a special Organ Day in the Bern city center. The occasion marks two anniversaries: 300 years since the abolition of the organ ban in the Canton of Bern and 125 years of BOV Bern. With workshops, concerts, and various formats of the 'Open Organ,' the day offers the opportunity to get to know the organ in all its diversity. Visitors of all ages can experience instruments up close, try them out themselves, and learn more about their role in worship, concerts, and chamber music. Insights into the fascinating world of organ building are also provided. A special goal of the Organ Day is to spark interest in this versatile instrument. The offerings of the 'Open Organ' provide access to the instrument, which is rarely possible otherwise. You can play different organs, ask questions, connect with experts, and discover the organ as a versatile and lively instrument. At Le Cap, a café run by the BOV invites visitors to linger, exchange ideas, and meet. Program 11:30 AM | Bern Minster Music during the Märitzeit with Christian Barthen. Followed by 'Open Organ' on the large Kuhn organ in the gallery. 1:30 PM | Nydegg Church Workshop: The contextualized organ The organ as a liturgical instrument and medium of improvisation. In small groups, participants will explore how organ music can interpret spoken texts, actions, or well-known chorales in an interpretative manner. Musical possibilities on four organs from different eras will be practically experienced. Led by: Samuel Cosandey Followed by 'Open Organ'. 3:00 PM | French Church Concert: The organ in interaction The organ is often heard as a solo instrument – a one-instrument show. Organists usually stay hidden behind their instruments and are rarely visible. But the organ and organists can also interact in versatile ways with a choir or other instruments. This concert showcases the versatility of the organ as a musical partner. PaulusChor Olivia Ceresola, organ Lee Stalder, conductor and organ Followed by 'Open Organ' on the large Goll organ and the historic Kuhn organ from 1889. 5:30 PM | Holy Spirit Church Organ building - The swell box – Dynamics as a musical expression Short music-historical excursion into dynamics and performance practice – guided tour of the swell box being built in the Holy Spirit Church. Lecture with practical examples from Wälti Organ Building and Marc Fitze on the Metzler organ. Followed by a closing concert. 6:30 PM | Holy Spirit Church Closing concert Participants include members and students of the Bern Organists' Association. The Organ Day 2026 invites you to explore the diversity of Bern's organ landscape, discover significant instruments, and experience the organ as a vibrant part of cultural and church life.