Season opener and children’s concerts

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

In eight days’ time, the moment will finally be upon us: we are opening the new season with the premiere of Tiran Willemse’s new work ‘SYNTHETIC / Artefact’. Together with Davide-Christelle Sanvee, Élie Autin, Ophelia Young and Elisabeth Mulenga, Tiran Willemse explores the figure of the puppet: in the history of European ballet and theatre as well as in African and Asian dance forms.

Last week we attended a rehearsal, together with our photographer Hannah Gottschalk, who gives you a first glimpse here. In a nutshell: These dancers are simply brilliant; the choreography is surprising, precise and consistently very funny. We’re proud to have this production at the Gessnerallee.

The premiere is already almost sold out – so it’s best to book your ticket now. And if you’re keen and able: why not buy an annual pass straight away? We’re pretty sure you won’t regret it.

Since 2014, cultural manager Nadja Furrer has been bringing bands that usually play for adults to the Stall6 at the Gessnerallee for children’s concerts – ranging from indie pop to hip-hop and Latin.

Journalist Timo Posselt spoke to her about the magic that happens between bands and children – an astonishingly direct audience. Because children, says Furrer, are discerning: if they don’t like it, they get up and leave. If the spark is there, they clap, sing and dance wildly. Read the newspaper article (only in German)

After four wonderful children’s concerts last season, the series – popular with young and old alike – is kicking off its next round. With a programme and presentation suitable for all ages – and at a lower volume. Always at Stall6, always on Sundays, always at 3 pm. There’ll be a cosy area for lounging and dancing in front of the stage, popcorn, sweet drinks, a craft corner and loads of fun.

Children’s Concert Series 2026/27

Gina Été

20 September

The series kicks off with Zurich-based musician Gina Été, known for her complex, catchy hybrid pop and political commentary. A trained violist who also plays the piano and synthesisers, she sings in German, Swiss German, English and French.

Her music is characterised by complex arrangements and captivates with its odd time signatures, emotional depth and an unmistakable blend of hybrid chamber pop, indie and experimental sounds. Tickets

Batbait

8 November

When patriarchy falters, Batbait resonates.

With sound that is far more than just distorted guitars and driving rhythms. With sound that doesn’t just scratch the surface, but reveals deeper layers. By combining sound and content, the four musicians develop a sound that defies all rock sub-genre boundaries and forges its own path – radical and unique. Tickets

Crimer

24 January

Crimer is the quintessential retro-pop powerhouse – known for his velvety baritone, monumental synth anthems and his extravagant style. Since taking the stage by storm in 2017 with his hit ‘Brotherlove’, he has been one of the country’s most distinctive pop acts, delivering a unique blend of nostalgia and timeless energy. Tickets

Nicky B Fly

21 March

With roots in the Congolese capital Kinshasa and her home city of Zurich, the artist and single mother of one son, Nicky B Fly, sees herself as a cultural hybrid in tune with the spirit of the times, with two hearts beating to the same rhythm within her.

She blends Swiss German, French, English and Lingala in her lyrics, creating a unique musical style which she brings to life in live performances with her band and dancers. Tickets

Newspaper

The Gessnerallee newspaper is entering its third year. Now is the perfect time to take out a subscription for the next four issues. It costs CHF 20 excluding postage and can be easily ordered by emailing zeitung@gessnerallee.ch. The next issue will be published on 10 September, just in time for the start of the season. The following article offers a first glimpse.

Concerts for the youngest and most discerning audiences

Since 2014, cultural manager Nadja Furrer has been bringing bands – who usually play for adults – to the Stall6 at the Gessnerallee for children’s concerts, ranging from indie pop to hip-hop and Latin music. Journalist Timo Posselt spoke to her about the magic between bands and children as a surprisingly direct audience. To the article (only in German)

Furthermore

Last but not least, now is also a good time to become a member of the Theaterhaus Gessnerallee association. Are you interested in becoming a member? If so, we’d be delighted to hear from you via email to our colleague Shelagh Armit: info@gessnerallee.ch.

We wish you a great rest of the week.

The Gessnerallee team