The Basler Madrigalisten are one of the most traditional vocal ensembles in Switzerland and are characterised by a wide-ranging repertoire from the Renaissance to contemporary music. Founded in 1978 by Fritz Näf at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, the ensemble has been under the direction of Raphael Immoos since 2013. With a focus on the interpretation of new music, the professional ensemble regularly commissions compositions, which it performs in changing instrumentation strengths in premieres and first performances. The Basel Madrigalists have received several awards, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation Prize. In 1996, they were the first Swiss ensemble to receive an invitation to the World Symposium for Choral Music in Sydney. Their work includes concert tours in Europe, the USA, Australia and Asia, appearances at festivals such as the Berlin Festival and the Bern Music Festival, collaborations with the Zurich Opera House, among others, as well as staged performances and radio, film and CD recordings.
In addition to his work as director of the ensemble, Raphael Immoos is professor of choral conducting and conductor of various vocal ensembles at the Hochschule für Musik in Basel and artistic director of the Thun Summer Academy.
As of May 2022