Bern's first baroque ensemble, since 1993

There is no early music! True to this credo, Die Freitagsakademie performs music from the 17th to the early 19th century in a wide range of line-ups and on period instruments. In addition, it presents innovative programmes that bridge tradition and the present. Regular collaboration with artists from other disciplines, such as contemporary dance, visual arts, literature and puppet theatre, is part of the ensemble's identity, as is the performance of contemporary music. The lively interpretation of early masterpieces in dialogue with contemporary music and other art forms often leads to surprising interactions and special artistic experiences.

This concept by artistic director Katharina Suske has met with a strong response and great approval: with its numerous concerts and recordings, Die Freitagsakademie has for years been a widely acclaimed presence on the Swiss and international music scene. Among other engagements, it has performed in Japan, at the Dresden Music Festival and several times at the Vienna Konzerthaus.

Since 2002, Die Freitagsakademie has had its own concert series in Bern, with six concert projects per season.

For its CD recording «Wiener Klassik», Die Freitagsakademie was awarded the renowned «Diapason d’or de l’année».