Choir and orchestra

The Choir and Orchestra of the J. S. Bach Foundation has been performing Bach cantatas on a monthly basis since October 2006.

The ensemble consists of professional musicians from the whole of Switzerland, southern Germany and Austria. All musicians are experienced in historical performance practices and relish the challenge of exploring a contemporary and vital interpretation of Bach's cantatas.

The choir and orchestra consist of regular members, with extra musicians being engaged according to the demands of the work performed. The choir's size varies in the range of up to 40 voices, and is made up of young professional singers; individual singers receive the opportunity to take on solo roles. The Orchestra leader is Renate Steinmann.

Strings: The upper string parts can be performed either with soloists or with three first and three second violins as well as two violas. Bach used both variations in his performances.

Continuo: The continuo section comprises a violoncello, violone, harpsichord and/or organ and forms the foundation of the music.

Winds and brass: The wind and brass sections are selected according to the demands of the cantata at hand.

Choir: The choir is generally kept small with three to four singers per voice; this guarantees a good balance between the vocal and the instrumental ensemble. The modularised approach to the formation allows for a marked expansion of the choir, should the need arise.