Ittingen Whitsun Concerts

In 2026, the Ittingen Whitsun Concerts will take place for the 30th time.

We are delighted to welcome Reto Bieri, one of the most versatile Swiss clarinettists of our time, as our new artistic director. A chamber musician, improviser, conductor and programme designer, he consistently defies expectations, and he will do so again at the Ittingen Whitsun Concerts.

Having studied the Kartause Ittingen in depth, Reto Bieri has composed a bespoke programme for the festival venue, inspired by the depth of the place and its history. The theme, 'auf-hören' (listening), is unusual for an anniversary edition. Soundscapes ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary music will explore the various aspects of this multi-layered concept.

The artistic director has brought along his musical friends, including the ensembles Meta4 and Trio Gaspard, the unique vocal ensemble Vox Clamantis, the world-famous tenor Mark Padmore and the actor and musician Jürg Kienberger. All of these artists will perform in a variety of combinations across the concerts. Reto Bieri, who teaches at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, will also be bringing his students.

We can look forward to an exceptional festival programme – an experience not to be missed. Concerts that allow you to experience Kartause Ittingen in a whole new way.

Individual tickets can be booked directly under the corresponding concerts. When purchasing online, you save CHF12 in processing fees.

For subscriptions and concerts combined with overnight stays, please contact us by email at info@kartause.ch or by telephone on +41 (0)52 748 44 11.

Reto Bieri Artistic director and clarinet
Mark Padmore Tenor
Jonian Ilias Kadesha Violin
Magalie Martinez Violin
Minna Pensola Violin
Dmitry Smirnov Violin
Antti Tikkanen Violin
Atte Kilpeläinen Viola
Tomas Djupsjöbacka Cello
Vashti Hunter Cello
Nicholas Rimmer Piano
Anthony Romaniuk Piano
Meta4 String quartet
Trio Gaspard Piano trio
Vox Clamantis Vocal ensemble - Jaan-Eik Tulve Director
Jürg Kienberger Conférencier acting, glass harp, singing, narrator
Claudia Carigiet Direction and text
Studierende der Hochschule für Musik und Theater München
Double bass, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, horn, percussion
Musikverein Weinfelden Funeral marches for the procession
Markus Güdel Lighting design, audio technology and projections

Dear Sir or Madam, dear music lovers,

The Ittingen Pfingstkonzerte are dedicated to the theme of endings – a subject that is quieter than it sounds. They take place in a setting that invites you to be quiet like no other: the Ittingen Charterhouse, where the walls seem to listen and the silence feels a little older. Perhaps ending is easier here. Or perhaps it is more difficult. Perhaps the two are closely related.

'Stopping' sounds like the end: the curtain falling; 'That's it, then'. But if you listen closely, you realise that the word also has another meaning. Listening upwards. Listening to something. Maybe it all begins when one person stops and another person starts as a result. There is music – and this is not a metaphor – that ends before it has really begun. Some only begin once they have long since ended.

Stopping is not an escape, but a form of presence. It is a fragile yet bold musical process. It takes courage. And a good ear. Those who stop listen more closely. Pentecost is a good time to start. Or to stop. Or both. It is the feast of hearing: listening to a voice you cannot see, and silencing your own. Perhaps that is music: stopping sound and beginning silence.

With this in mind, feel free to stop. Then listen.

Individual tickets can be booked directly for the relevant concerts.