The elite of choristers at the 13th European Festival of Young Choirs in Basel

These young singers come from all over Europe. 11 countries from the old continent are represented this year. A choir from the Philippines is also invited. A vocal rendezvous that can be heard in the four corners of Basel and its region.

Excellent vocal abilities

They are at the age when we still watch cartoons. On that day, little children with angelic voices perform like grown-ups on stage. The public is conquered. “It’s beautiful, amazing to see how much the voices stand out” enthusiastically recounts a spectator. “They have no inhibitions. They are themselves” add another. “There’s a purity to the vocals, they’re not quite formed yet. That makes them really interesting” reports a viewer. Since Wednesday, May 17, kick off of the festival, the Basel region lives to the rhythm of concerts that take place in the open air, in churches or public places. High level. The choirs have been handpicked. Precision, sense of rhythm, these young singers have excellent vocal abilities.

Fifty events

This year, it’s reunion time because this festival, created in 1992, takes place every two years and the Covid-19 health crisis has canceled a few editions. “It’s a very special moment, our last festival dates back to 2018. What matters is of course the meeting, allowing young people, from all cultures, to celebrate singing together” explains Kathrin Renggli, the organizer of the festival. About fifty events are programmed, so the rhythm is sustained for the young singers. “We have two or three gigs a day. When we’re through a year of it, you have to grab your things and hop on the tram. It’s pretty intense,” testifies Jonna Vehmanen, choir director of a Finnish choir. The festival ends on May 21.

13^e European Festival of Young Choirs in Basel, various venues in Basel and its region (Switzerland), free concerts, until May 21, 2023