Since 2000, the concert series “Im Zeichen Bach’s” has been an integral part of Brunico’s musical culture. Each year in spring, baroque and classical music is performed on period instruments by regional ensembles and renowned guest soloists.
The inaugural series took place in the year 2000 in memory of two young Brunico friends who passed away much too soon – Martina Palfrader and Andreas Zelger. Since it was also the 250th anniversary of Bach’s death, the series was placed under his “patronage”. In this first year performers were exclusively friends and musician colleagues of Martina Palfrader. Since then many internationally recognised period instrument performers have appeared in Brunico, including Anner Bijlsma, Gustav Leonhardt, the Hilliard Ensemble, Rachael Podger, Monika Mauch, Roberta Invernizzi and Stanley Ritchie.
Year after year the academy has collaborated with Brunico’s music school as well as local choirs and vocal ensembles, leading to the county youth choir, the vocal ensemble Pinzimonio, Vocalart Brixen/Bressanone and Collegium Musicum Bruneck/Brunico being heard in Brunico’s churches.
Since 2002 the ensemble with its artistic director Stefano Veggetti plays the concerts “Im Zeichen Bach’s” under the name Ensemble Cordia.