Die Freitagsakademie

The Bern based ensemble Die Freitagsakademie was founded in 1993 and adopted its group name from the so-called „Berliner Freitags-Akademien“ of composer Johann Gottlieb Janitsch in the 18th century.

Inspired by this institution, the Berner Freitagsakademie dedicates its work since 1993 to the music of the 17th and 18th century, playing on period instruments.

The artistic programme is true to the motto „There is no ancient music“. Instead, Freitagsakademie strives for undusting the music – played on historical instruments and performance practice – from a museum-like approach and free it from the educated awe, in order to transform it into music of the here and now and into captivating contemporary art.

This concept of the ensemble that is artistically directed by Katharina Suske, Bernhard Maurer and Vital Julian Frey has received positive echo and active encouragement. Die Freitagsakademie is with their numerous concerts and recordings a highly appreciated part of the Swiss and international music world since years.

Since 2002 the Freitagsakademie organises their own concert series. After 10 years at Kunstmuseum, the concerts moved at the beginning of 2012 to the Bern Conservatory.