Häsler Chairs the Bernese Oberland Classical Music Festival Association
Christine Häsler, the former cantonal councilor and director of cultural affairs for the Canton of Bern, will assume the presidency of the Berner Oberland Classical Music Festival Association.
The association collects data that further sheds light on the social impact and economic potential of classical concerts. In June 2026, economic indicators were published for the first time, showing that the member festivals generated high revenue in 2024 and attracted numerous visitors and musicians to the Bernese Oberland.
As a member of the cantonal government from 2018 to 2026, Christine Häsler headed the Department of Education and Culture of the Canton of Bern; prior to that, she held various positions in politics and the private sector.
Since 2014, an association known as the Bernese Oberland Classical Music Festivals has brought together 14 classical music festivals and concert series in the Bernese Oberland, which collaborate in the areas of knowledge and experience sharing, marketing, and advocacy. Previous presidents were Ruedi Bernet and Markus Tschanz.
The members are: Bach Weeks Thun, International Opera Workshop Sigriswil, GAIA Music Festival, Interlaken Classics, Mendelssohn Music Week Wengen, Menuhin Festival Gstaad, Meiringen Music Festival, Spiez Castle Concerts, Castle Concerts Thun, Concerts of the Swiss Violin Making School in Brienz, Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, Concerts of the Lenk Foundation for Cultural Promotion, Swiss Chamber Music Festival Adelboden, Zakhar Bron Academy Interlaken.
