On May 2, 1824, the Basler Gesangverein (BGV), the oldest mixed choir in Switzerland that still exists today under its original name, was founded. At that time, Basel had neither a symphony orchestra nor a choir capable of performing the demanding works of old and new masters. With the oratorio “Le Laudi” by Hermann Suter, the BGV is placing a magnificent composition that is closely linked to its history at the center of its 200th anniversary celebrations. Suter created the work in 1923 and dedicated it to the BGV, which premiered it under the composer's direction to mark its 100th anniversary.
The composer, conductor, and organist Suter grew up in Fricktal and studied at the conservatories in Stuttgart and Leipzig. In 1892 he settled in Zürich, where he worked as an organist and conducted various choirs. In 1902, Suter found his final sphere of activity in Basel, where he also became conductor of the Allgemeine Musikgesellschaft, the Liedertafel, and the BGV, which he led until 1924. Suter died in Basel in 1926.
Suter chose the famous “Canticle of the Sun” by Francis of Assisi, written around 1224, as the text for “Le Laudi.” The poem praises the beauty of creation. In nine movements, Suter gives all those who join in the praise of God their own musical form. The radiance of the sun, the twinkling of the stars, the roaring of the wind, the bubbling of the water, the blazing of the fire, and the highs and lows of life are sensitively made audible with all available musical means.
A video created by David Haneke provides visitors to the anniversary concert with additional access to the “Laudi,” using contemporary artistic means.
Tickets are CHF 41.50-72.30 for adults and CHF 21.00-36.40 for students and children.

Website
bs-gesangverein.ch/events/le-laudi/

Where
Stadtcasino Basel
Konzertgasse 1
4051 Basel

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