Basel is a city with a rich musical heritage and its vibrant choral scene is a reflection of this. Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply looking to join a more casual group, Basel has a wide variety of choirs to choose from. Read on to discover your guide to the choirs of Basel!
English-Speaking Choirs
Basel is home to several English-speaking choirs, offering both expats and locals the opportunity to sing a variety of choral music in English. These choirs provide a welcoming environment for singers of all levels, bringing together diverse communities through music.
Basel Proms Chorus
Basel Proms Chorus is the heart and soul of the Basel Proms project. With members of all ages, nationalities and levels of experience, the diversity of this chorus is reflected in its musical repertoires with songs in English, French, German, Italian, Latin and even a dash of Swiss dialect. The chorus meets periodically for rehearsals and workshops from April until the Basel Proms performance in early November. See our previous article Basel Proms 2024 which has detailed information about this year's program. The fee for joining in 2024 was CHF 195 (CHF 175 for students), which included the rehearsals and workshops. New members are very welcome, to register fill out this form or for more information contact info@baselproms.com.
Upcoming concert: Basel Proms 2024 - Celebrating the Sound of Music Saturday, November 2, 19:30, Stadtcasino Basel, Konzertgasse 1, 4051 Basel |
English Seminar Choir
The English Seminar Choir (ESC) was founded in 1989 by Allan Turner, a former lecturer at Basel University, to provide an opportunity for students to practice English through song. The choir has since grown to become an integral part of the University and of Basel cultural life. Focusing on choral music mostly in English, spanning from renaissance to modern works, rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesdays from 12:15 to 13:45 at the Grosser Hörsaal, English Seminar, Nadelberg 6, 4051 Basel. The choir is open to all - students, faculty and the public. No prior experience is required, just a passion for singing. Membership fees are CHF 220 per semester (CHF 50 for full-time students, under 26 or passive members). The choir prepares for 2-3 performances annually depending on the project. For more information and for trial period enquiries, contact President David Hughes at davehu99@yahoo.com or Secretary Richard Lewis at richard.lewis@novartis.com.
Upcoming concert: What Sweeter Music Thursday, November 28, 20:00, Kulturkirche Paulus, Steinenring 20, 4051 Basel Saturday, November 30, 19:00, English Seminar, Nadelberg 6, 4051 Basel |
ASK International Choir
Part of the Austausch in Sport und Kultur (ASK Basel) initiative, ASK International Choir fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals (over 18) of all nationalities are welcome to come together and sing. The choir covers a diverse range of world music with songs from various cultural traditions, sung primarily in English. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings from 20:00-21:45 in the school hall of the Margarethen Schulhaus, Gempenstrasse 48, 4053 Basel. Open to everyone, from beginners and experienced singers, register here for a free trial lesson. Membership costs CHF 150 per semester for ASK members and CHF 220 for non-members. For more information contact info@askbasel.ch.
Savoyard Singers
The Savoyard Singers are a chorus of singers who perform 3-4 times per year at Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Basel events as well as in public. With a repertoire ranging from classical to broadway to jazz, as well as music by Gilbert & Sullivan, performances include solo, small ensemble and choral singing. Rehearsals are scheduled in short, concentrated blocks as needed for each musical project; no long-term commitment to weekly rehearsals is required. Everyone from beginner to experienced singers of all ages and nationalities are welcome. Workshops are held at least twice per year for singers of various levels and are led by experienced professional singers and stage performers. The cost of joining is the yearly Society membership fee of CHF 40, plus any workshop and event entry fees. For more information contact the Society's President Stephan Arthur at info@savoyards.ch.
German-Speaking Choirs
Basel boasts a rich tradition of German-speaking choirs, offering a wide range of opportunities for singers to engage in a diverse array of music styles. As a non-native German speaker, joining a German-speaking choir could be a great way to skyrocket your German competence (and confidence!).
Basler Gesangverein
Founded in 1824, the Basler Gesangverein (BGV) is the oldest mixed choir in Switzerland that retains its original founding name. The choir has a broad repertoire including works from all stylistic periods from baroque to modern. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 19:30-21:00 in the Münstersaal of the Bischofshof at Rittergasse 1, 4051 Basel. Active members are expected to attend rehearsals regularly, participate in concerts and demonstrate their musical ability and understanding to the conductor. The annual fee is CHF 400 and includes regular professional voice training (CHF 200 for pupils and students). For more information fill out the contact form on the website or to register for the choir contact Verena Scheidegger at verena.scheidegger@bs-gesangverein.ch.
Upcoming concert: One Quiet Night Sunday, December 1, 17:00, Martinskirche, Martinskirchplatz 4, 4051 Basel |
ChorBasel
ChorBasel boasts a diverse repertoire including vocal jazz, folk songs from various countries, madrigals, pop, Schlager, and other a cappella works. With around 80 members, the choir originated from various youth choirs of the Basel Music Academy. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings from 20:00-22:00 at a location near Basel SBB station. ChorBasel performs regularly in Basel and the surrounding areas and participates in both national and international festivals and competitions. Notably, the choir won gold at the 2024 Swiss Choir Competition, receiving the jury prize for their outstanding rendition of a Swiss folk song. While the choir is currently full, they maintain a waiting list and will contact interested singers when spots become available. Applicants should have choral experience, strong intonation and a commitment to long-term participation. For more details contact info@chorbasel.ch or fill out the application form on their website.
Upcoming concert: Adventskonzerte Satuday, December 7, 17:00, Kulturkirche Paulus, 4051 Basel Sunday, December 8, 11:00, Kulturkirche Paulus, 4051 Basel |
Chor der Nationen Basel
Look no further than Chor der Nationen Basel if what you are searching for is a mixed choir that brings together singers from many nations and diverse cultural backgrounds. Current singers hail from Argentina, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Tibet and Switzerland. The choir sings folk songs, dances, and cultural rites from various nations, with a focus on creating a unified musical experience. Rehearsals are held every Thursday evening from 19:30-21:30 at the Parish Hall (Pfarrheim) at Lindenberg 8, 4054 Basel, from February to the end of November. The highlight of the choral year culminates in the annual concert in November with accompaniment by musicians from the Orchestra of Nations. Anyone over the age of 16 who has a love for singing and a basic understanding of German is welcome. No formal audition is required, but regular attendance is expected. The choir sings in German as well as in the many different languages of members' native countries. For more information or to inquire about joining, fill out the contact form on the website.
Upcoming concert: Jahreskonzert 2024 «We’ve Come A Long Way III» Saturday, November 9, 17:00, Kulturkirche Paulus, Steinenring 20, 4051 Basel |
Chor der Universität Basel
While the majority of the around 120 members of the Chor der Universität Basel are students, alumni, non-students are also welcome. With a repertoire including baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary, the choir usually performs two concerts per year - the university's public Advent concert in December and a summer concert in June. Rehearsals take place during the university semester on Thursday evenings from 18:30-21:00 in the Grosser Hörsaal, English Seminar, Nadelberg 6, 4051 Basel. New members are very welcome and while an audition is not required for admission, newcomers must take part in a vocal sectionalization by the conductor. It is always possible to join at the start of a new project and new singers are warmly invited to attend a rehearsal in the semester before joining the choir. Membership fees are CHF 30 per half year for university students or CHF 50 for non-students, and sheet music fees range from CHF 20-40. To register for the choir fill in the contact form or for more information contact Sophie Waldner at personelles-chor@unibas.ch.
Upcoming concert: Adventskonzert 2024 Thursday December 12, 19:30, Peterskirche Basel, Peterskirchplatz 7, 4051 Basel |
Neuer Basler Kammerchor
Neuer Basler Kammerchor (NBK) offers a broad repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary choral works, chamber music and pieces with orchestral accompaniment. Unique to NBK is its practice of dividing into mixed voice groups for performances, with two concerts held annually. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 19:30-22:00 during the school term at the Zunftsaal Schmiedenhof, Rümelinsplatz 4, 4001 Basel, with additional weekend and dress rehearsals before each concert. New members are welcome but must be experienced choristers and pass an audition with choirmaster Florian Cramer. The age limit is 65, with exceptions decided by the choirmaster. The annual fee is CHF 400 (students pay half). Members enjoy post-rehearsal gatherings at the Löwenzorn Restaurant, with the first Monday open to former singers and interested parties. For more information contact info@nbk-basel.ch.
Specialized Choirs
Basel's musical diversity is reflected in its specialized choirs, which focus on distinct musical traditions and styles. From renaissance and baroque music all the way to modern pop songs, a cappella and gospel there is something to suit every taste. While the choir language is predominantly German (again good for your German learning!), non-native speakers are welcome.
Basel Chamber Voices
Basel Chamber Voices (BCV) is an a cappella chamber choir of passionate singers with a desire to experience music beyond the borders of culture, generation, and tradition. Rehearsals take place at the Meierhof, Riehen Dorf, on Tuesday evenings between 19:00-21:00. The BCV welcomes singers from all walks of life interested in challenging and developing their vocal and ensemble skills in a supportive environment. Membership costs CHF 200 per semester per adult (CHF 80 for students) and BCV prepares for 2 programs per year (summer/winter), performing 2 concerts each per program. For more information or to register contact Basel.chamber.voices@gmail.com.
Basler Bach-Chor
Basler Bach-Chor is one of the most prestigious amateur choirs in the region, with an over 100-year history and approximately 100 singers. While named after Johann Sebastian Bach, the choir focuses on a wide range of choral music from the 17th to 21st century, its repertoire extending beyond the works of Bach to include classical oratorios, contemporary compositions and world premieres by Swiss composers. Rehearsals are conducted in German every Thursday evening from 19:45-21:45 in the assembly hall of the Gundeldinger School, Sempacherstrasse 60, 4053 Basel. The choir welcomes singers with prior choral experience with tenors being particularly sought-after, and auditions are required. Annual membership fees are CHF 400 (CHF 200 for students and those facing financial hardship). Known for collaborating with top orchestras and choirs, the Basler Bach-Chor participates in large-scale projects and regularly performs alongside the Zürich Mixed Choir. For more information or to register for a trial rehearsal, contact the choir’s president Mathias Reddy at praesidium@baslerbachchor.ch.
Upcoming concert: Autumn Concert Fabian Künzli World Premiere – Oceana Mystica, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy - The First Walpurgis Night Friday November 22, 19:30, Stadtcasino Basel, Konzertgasse 1, 4051 Basel |
Let's GOspel
If gospel is more your thing, then Let’s GOspel could be for you. Singing old and new gospel songs as well as well-known pop songs with meaningful lyrics, this regional choir celebrates the joy of togetherness. Open to anyone who loves singing and being part of a group. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings at 19:30 at the Highspeed Music Art Bar, Oberwilerstrasse 22, 4102 Binningen. Guests are always welcome at rehearsals to get a taste of the choir. While the language of the choir is German, it sings primarily in English. As a project choir, Let’s GOspel has both a summer and a winter project for which choir members must contribute CHF 80 per project for expenses. To register you can fill out this form or for more information contact info@letsgospel.ch.
Upcoming concert: Gospel-Night Sunday, November 10, 17:00, Landgasthof Riehen, Baselstrasse 38, 4125 Riehen |
Pop Choir
Pop Choir, as its name suggests, sings pop classics. Open to anyone over the age of 18, no matter whether you have prior choir or vocal experience or not; the only requirement is a joy for singing. There are two choirs, both rehearsing on Thursday evenings, with the first from 18:00-19:30 and the second from 20:00-21:30. Rehearsals take place at Tanzwerk, Oslo-Strasse 10, 4142 Münchenstein. Membership fee is paid per half year (20-25 rehearsals) and costs CHF 400 for School of Rock students, CHF 500 for externals. A trial workshop is free of charge and can be booked by filling out this this form. For more information contact info@school-of-rock.ch.
ReRenaissance Basel
ReRenaissance Basel is a unique forum dedicated to the performance of renaissance (pre-1600) music, bringing historical music to life with both vocalists and period instruments. A changing rotation of artistic directors create unique, newly formed ensemble constellations and new concert programs are premiered on the last Sunday of every month. ReRenaissance do not have traditional rehearsals like a regular choir, rather prepare for their events with specific workshops. The choir and its workshops are open to anyone with an interest in Renaissance music, from complete beginners to experienced singers. There are no strict entry requirements making it an inclusive group for those who are passionate about historical music. For more information contact Holly Scarborough at info@rerenaissance.ch.
Upcoming Concert: Magnus opus musicum 1604 Tribute to Orlando di Lasso. Sunday, October 27, 18:15, Martinskirche Basel, Martinskirchplatz 4, 4051 Basel |
Youth Choirs
Basel offers a range of youth choirs that nurture young vocal talent, providing excellent musical education and performance opportunities. Below are some of the notable youth choirs in the city.
Jungendchor Beider Basel
Founded in 2018, the Jugendchor beider Basel (JcbB) brings young singers aged between 15-25 from the Basel region together to engage with a diverse repertoire spanning classical choral music to contemporary pieces. Organised by season, the choir perform 2-3 concerts annually including collaborations with local orchestras and national and international festivals. Preparation consists of an initial rehearsal in Basel followed by a week-long choir camp where an alternating program of rehearsals and vocal training alongside joint activities and games evenings allow the singers to get to know each other. Following return from the camp there is a final dress rehearsal before the concert performance. A season's fee costs CHF 200 (including travel, accommodation and meals during the camp). The choir encourages young people with a passion for singing to join, regardless of their previous choir experience, though a vocal assessment by the conductor is required. New members are invited to join at the beginning of each new seasonal project and singers can attend a trial rehearsal to get a feel for the choir. To register for the choir fill in the registration form on the website and for more information contact info@jugendchorbeiderbasel.ch.
Upcoming concert: wir.zwei Saturday, 19 October, 19:30, Kulturkirche Paulus, Steinenring 20, 4051 Basel |
Knabenkantorei Basel
Knabenkantorei Basel (KKB) is a prestigious boys' choir that has been around for almost 100 years! The choir regularly performs at orchestral concerts, opera performances, church services of all denominations and in concert tours around Europe and overseas. They also go away on an annual autumn camp. The concert choir, which consists of around 40 boys and 35 mens voices, rehearses twice a week on Wednesdays from 16:45-18:15 (boys) and 18:30-20:00 (men) and Fridays from 17:30-19:30 (all together) in the Bischofshof, Basel Minster, Rittergasse 1, 4051 Basel. The cost per semester for concert choir singers is CHF 390. New members are welcomed, however an entrance exam must first be passed before singers aged between 9-25 are accepted into the concert choir. Singers are prepared for singing in the concert choir in age-appropriate stages: Early course (3-5 years), Preliminary course (5-7 years) and Basic course (7+ years). The in-depth musical training includes ear and voice training, sight-singing, music theory, choral singing and solo singing. Early and preliminary course singers pay CHF 220 per semester and Basic course singers CHF 350. For more information contact info@knabenkantorei.ch.
Upcoming concert: Les Choristes - Cinema & Musik mit dem Sinfonieorchester Basel Friday, 15 November, 19:30, Stadtcasino Basel, Konzertgasse 1, 4051 Basel Saturday, 16 November, 19:30, Stadtcasino Basel, Konzertgasse 1, 4051 Basel |
Mädchenkantorei
The prestigious girls' choir, Mädchenkantorei, operates as a choir school that allows music-loving girls from the age of 4 and upwards to join. In the various choir levels, girls are encouraged and developed in an age-appropriate and targeted manner by the musical director and professional voice coaches. See here for more information on all of the choir levels (from 4 years to 18+ years of age). In addition to continuous musical training, various concerts are organised every season in the Basel region as well as concert tours at home and abroad and attendance by invitation at renowned festivals. Rehearsals take place on varying days at various times depending on the choir level group at Musik- und Kulturzentrum Don Bosco, Waldenburgerstrasse 34, 4052 Basel. It is possible to join the Basel Girls' Choir during the current semester by arrangement, depending on available places. For more information or for a taster rehearsal contact info@maedchenkantorei.ch or to register fill out this registration form.
Upcoming concert: Adventskonzert Sunday, 1 December, 11:00, Stadtcasino Basel, Konzertgasse 1, 4051 Basel |
Chor Musikschule Basel
Chor Musikschule Basel has an age-graded choir school divided into three levels: Basic level with pre-school choir (4-5 years), intermediate level with children's choir and upper level with youth choir and choir for adults. Young singers are offered an excellent foundation in vocal technique and choral performance as well as body language, rhythmic and melodic training. The repertoire includes songs for one to four voices, folk songs from Switzerland and other countries, popular music and classical works. Weekly rehearsals, day and time dependent on the choir group, take place at the Musik-Akademie Basel, Leonhardsstrasse 6, 4051 Basel. The middle and upper school choirs perform in smaller and larger concerts in and outside the Musik-Akademie and some of the choirs also take part in festivals. All children who enjoy singing are welcome to join the children's choirs. No audition is required to join and new singers are always welcome to start at the beginning of the school year. To register fill in this form and scroll down for information about fees. Singing experience is however required to join the youth and adult choirs. For more information contact musikschule@mab-bs.ch.
European Youth Choir Festival
Many of Basel's Youth Choirs perform at the European Youth Choir Festival (EJCF). Held in Basel every two years since 1992, the prestigious event brings together young singers from near (Basel region and Switzerland) and far (from across Europe and one global guest choir) to celebrate choral music and cultural exchange. I personally hosted a singer from the Swiss Youth Choir during the 2023 EJCF event and attended many fantastic concerts, what a great experience! The festival is back in 2025 from May 28 to June 1, so be sure to mark the dates in your calendar and watch out for a YBI Basel article on this special event.
I hope this choral singing guide helps you get involved in Basel's choir scene. Singing is so good for our health; it reduces stress, improves lung function and enhances our mental well-being. One thing is for sure: researching and composing this article for you has certainly got me in the mood to sing!
Alison Waterfield
Alison Waterfield is a Brit who has been in the Basel area for over a decade. She currently resides in Oberwil, where she enjoys having countryside on her doorstep as well as town being only a short tram ride away. She loves cooking, baking and anything food-related and is a beginner food stylist and photographer. She enjoys being in nature and relaxing doing anything wellness-related, as well as engaging in creative activities such as abstract and fluid art and crochet.
コメント