Veronica Schaller
Secretary of Culture and resident of the “old town”

To live in the “old town” of Berne is a privilege. It isn’t just beautiful to look at, it also has its own distinct sounds. I like the early morning best when the murmuring of the town creek is only rarely disturbed by the bumping of a luggage cart or the rumbling of a bus.

Later in the day the sounds get louder. The many voices and diverse languages of the tourists echo from the walls, toddlers’ vocal protests profit from the resonance under the arcades, and street musicians use the shelter of the arches for a stage. And at night loud-voiced fans of soccer and hockey teams let us participate in their frustration or their joy – sometimes both at once.

There is no better place to create sound for than the “old town” of Berne. Nowhere else could street music have grown into a festival. Thanks to all who are making this possible, thanks to those who buy a wrist band and who reward the musicians generously. After all, they are the ones to fill our beloved “old town” with ever new, exciting, and inspiring sounds!