Creating and performing programs that bring little-known repertoires to light has been at the center of Lucidarium’s work since its founding in Basel over thirty years ago

What would Shylock have heard as he wandered in and out of the Venice ghetto? What would a 15th century Burgundian conscript have sung as an accompaniment to his fear grumbling belly? We will never know, but we will sing their poetry and play their dances as best we can, in the hope that our 21st century audience becomes aware of their existence while they enjoy an evening of good music. At least 80% of our programming is made up of ignored repertoires, or reconstructions of little-known songs, making every project essentially a modern premier.

Information on the programs on offer for the 2024-2026 seasons (including a few not on the website) are available in PDF form below.

Ars Hebraicae

Beginning in 2004, Lucidarium began a project dedicated to a creative reconstruction of the soundscape of the Jews in Renaissance Europe. Since then, the ensemble’s groundbreaking research has opened a new chapter in the study of both early and Jewish music. A full guide to our Jewish-themed programs is available in PDF form below.

The Babel Project

A guide to our “plugged” programs featuring the finest Klezmer and World musicians from Brooklyn to Berlin

Programs on commission

Lucidarium has constructed programs on specific subjects tied to conferences, festival themes, anniversary years, etc. for numerous institutions, including the York and Utrecht Festivals, numerous universities, Yiddish Summer Weimar and the Eshkolot Foundation.