In Bern Jon joined 2 different choruses, Canto Classico and Berner Bach Chor. Each group plans various projects through the year and members chose which ones they want to sign up for. Wanting to get as much experience singing here as possible, Jon signed up for everything possible, leading to 7 concerts in two weeks, plus extra last minute rehearsals. Since many of the concerts are out of town, we also got around Switzerland in a new way.
12/8 Geneva – Offenbach at Victoria Hall
See 12/9/12 post for a description of our day in Geneva.
12/9 Bern – Weihnacht at Marienkirche
A free Christmas concert put on for the church where Berner Bach Chor rehearses.
12/11 Luzern – Offenbach at the KKL
In Lucerne's massive KKL hall there were even folks in the nose-bleed section to hear the popular Vesselina Kasarova.
12/16 Basel – Offenbach at the Stadtcasino
Arriving early for the rehearsal and concert, we were able to visit another Weihnacht Market, fortunately just outside the concert hall. Outside Basel’s red sandstone Cathedral, we listened to a Christmas Tuba concert!
Stadtcasino in Basel
12/19 Bern – Haydn’s Creation at the Kultur-Casino
Bern's Kultur-casino has hosted concerts and events since 1909.
Lace-like ceiling decoration
A side room where the choir got ready.
12/20 Bern – Offenbach in Bern’s Kultur-Casino
This show was also in Bern’s Kultur-Casino. Since MC had seen the show twice already, she had the night off.
12/22 Biel – Haydn’s Creation
Biel's Concert Hall
The Haydn was performed in conjunction with the Biel Orchestra.
The Haydn was performed with the Baden-Baden Philharmonic and a famous soloist, Vessalina Kasarova