Barrel organ day

A special summer experience awaits you on Bern's local mountain: around 15 barrel organ players from all over Switzerland will fill the Gurten Park with music. The barrel organs are not only a treat for the ears, but also a feast for the eyes: they are often elaborately painted and artistically decorated. As traditional instruments, they combine nostalgia with modern diversity.

The barrel organ players present a varied repertoire – from Swiss classics to modern pop music. Enjoy the idyllic natural surroundings and let yourself be enchanted by the magical sounds and visual splendor of the barrel organs. Maybe you'll even get to turn the crank of a barrel organ yourself?

Barrel Organ Day is supported by Migros Culture Percentage – a commitment to culture and community: migros-engagement.ch.

The history of the barrel organ

Since the beginning of the 18th century, the barrel organ has been known throughout Europe as an instrument used by street musicians and jugglers, but also – particularly in England and France – as a church and salon instrument. Many barrel organ players place a stuffed monkey next to their instrument. This is a reminder of the time when traveling musicians were often accompanied by a capuchin monkey or rhesus monkey. The monkey was an additional attraction—especially for children—and usually had the task of collecting coins from bystanders.

Source: Wikipedia