JAZZFESTIVAL • BASELLAND BLOOMS • GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIP • NEW BICYCLE RULES

Volume 9 Issue 7 CHF 6 6

A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel April 2021 2 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

This month we are marking the one-year anniversary of the only issue of Basel Life Magazine that had to be cancelled entirely since the magazine’s inception April 2021 Volume 9 Issue 7 nearly 9 years ago. While we have come a long way over the past, agonizing year, we are still not out of the woods yet. The latest government announcements on TABLE OF CONTENTS March 19, which we all hoped would bring us further easing of some of the coronavirus­ restrictions, only served as a reminder that we still have a critical stretch of this tunnel to travel before we can finally see the light and enjoy life Feature Event: Jazzfestival Basel 4–5 again as we once knew it. In the meantime, we are encouraged to continue to adhere to safety measures—wear a mask, keep our distance, and frequently Events in Basel: April 2021 6–8 wash hands—while making the most out of what is currently permitted. Basel’s zoos and libraries are open, as are the museums with their wide range of exhibits that are sure to pique everyone’s interest. In addition to a plethora of Fun Outings: Beyond Basel 10–11 ongoing art exhibits, families will be charmed by the “Moving World” of scenes with 100-year-old Steiff dolls and stuffed animals, cat lovers will learn new and unknown facts about their mysterious pets, fans of body art can gawk Swiss Tradition: Asparagus 12–13 at the fascinating tattoo world of the Leu family, and those interested in ancient history can explore the diverse use of music in antiquity or look through the magnifying glass at a Roman lead coffin found at Augusta Raurica. Venturing a Markets and Fairs 14–15 little further afield, you can discover the extraordinary Swiss transport museum in Luzern or travel into a 400-year-old mine near lake Zürich. If spring makes you want to get out and smell the flowers, you will enjoy a tour Calendar: April 2021 16–17 through the orchards of Baselland during the magnificent blooming season of the cherry and other fruit trees. Spring is also a good time to get back on your bike. Check out the sports section to learn about bicycle tours and races, or to Sports and Recreation 18–20 kick up some dust at the outdoor bikepark in Hölstein, perfect for seasoned free- stylers and novices alike. If riding on the city streets is more your speed, sign up for cycling classes, join a bike-to-work challenge, and be sure to read about Did You Know…? 21–23 Switzerland’s important new biking rules. In this issue of Basel Life Magazine, you can also read about the amazing Health Matters: Sugar—A Bittersweet Nutrient 24–25 asparagus that will be making its appearance in grocery stores this month, as well as how to get farm-fresh eggs delivered straight to your door. And if you find that deciphering the sugar content in your food got even harder in a foreign Workshops, Tours, and Education 26–27 language with different labelling rules, turn the page to this month’s “Health Matters” section to get a better grip on this bittersweet nutrient. Additionally, you can learn about Basel’s new SmartBox as a convenient 24-hour location to Entertainment: Night on the Town 28–31 ­retrieve your mail-order packages, as well as about a new campaign aimed at women of child-bearing age that seeks to inform them of their rights in the workplace.­ Mark Your Calendar: May 2021 31 The Jazzfestival Basel has planned a fantastic line-up of international acts that will (hopefully) hit the stages of Basel from late April through July. Until the ban on events with an audience can finally be lifted, many organizers are opting to Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! back page live-stream their events, from symphony concerts and theater to story times and sporting events like the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships. So peek inside for some terrific ideas on a host of entertaining and educating events. Please keep in mind that things may still change following the publication of this issue; so please check the provided websites before heading out to avoid any unforeseen closures.­ And for up-to-date information about cantonal/federal de- cisions and other important­ news, follow our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine). We would like to extend a special thanks to all of our loyal readers who have stuck with us through these incredibly challenging times. Wishing you all an awesome April! Basel Life Magazine Staff: Editor-in-Chief: Christine Pesold Christine & Susanne Advertising & Subscription Manager / Editor: Susanne Hiller Cover: A botanical highlight in April is the start of the flowering season for rhododendron bushes with Design & Print: their vibrant colors. A wonderful place to enjoy these PRINTHOUSE by jobfactory, Basel colorful bushes is the Merian Gärten (gardens) between St. Jakobshalle and the Park im Grünen in München- For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: stein. Their “rhododendron valley” features more than 70 different kinds of rhododendron that present a riot of [email protected] colors. Another reason to visit the Merian Gärten at this www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine time of the year is Europe’s largest collection of irises, www.basellife.com including 1,500 historical varieties, that start blooming in late April/early May.

BASEL LIFE MAGAZINE / BASEL FAMILY GmbH © Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to our readers. The opinions expressed in the articles in this magazine are those of the contributing authors and do not reflect those of other members of the editorial staff and of any organizations or agencies distributing this magazine. Though we make every attempt to provide accurate information, we cannot be held respon- sible if any event is cancelled, postponed, or modified. We encourage readers to contact the event organizers or their websites to obtain the most current event information. Please note: No part of this periodical may be duplicated in any fashion, or redistributed in any written language, without permission from the executive staff at Basel Family GmbH. If you have any questions, contact Basel Family GmbH staff at: [email protected].

photo credits: © christine pesold (cover); © merian gardens/alexandra baumeyer (page 3) April 2021 3 FeatureEvents inEvent Basel: February 2015 (continued)

Jazzfestival Basel Celebrates 30 Years + 1!

April 24 – July 9 place in the summer of 2020, including some to help celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Stadtcasino Basel in style. All concerts postponed Jazz music, a derivative of blues and ragtime music, is played and enjoyed after November 1, 2020, however, had to be added to this year’s calendar, by people of all cultures and ethnicities and today encompasses a wide and together with the shows that had already been planned for the 2021 range of musical elements and styles from all over the world. Jazz has Jazzfestival Basel, a phenomenal line-up is waiting for jazz aficionados. become very mainstream in Basel. Several clubs and restaurants, such the The main focus of this 2020/2021 season, however, will be the 30th+1 anni- bird’s eye jazz club and Atlantis, offer jazz music on a regular basis; the versary of Jazzfestival Basel. Offbeat is again committed to introducing street festival “Em Bebbi sy Jazz” presents nearly 100 bands on various new trends during the anniversary festival, as well as presenting the un- stages throughout the city center in August, as well as organizes a jazz known in Basel and actively promoting the generation change. Music fans concert lounge at Marktplatz during the advent season (Adväntsbox); the will be delighted when great musicians who are shaping the current jazz Jazz-X radio program presents new trends and jazz artists from the region and world music scene come to Basel from far-reaching corners of the on Sunday evenings on Radio-X; and the Musik-Akademie Basel even has a world, including the far North, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, the Orient, Mali, dedicated Jazzcampus! The main source for jazz in Basel, however, is the Brazil, the United States, and the Caribbean. The important representa- offbeat organization that attracts the best musicians from the world of jazz tives of the current Swiss jazz scene will naturally also grace the festival throughout the year, as well as organizes the Jazzfestival Basel each stage, and there will be a “Label Night” for forward-looking labels to pres- spring with dozens of world-class concerts. Also new from offbeat this ent their projects. Thus, from April to July, Basel will once again be Swit- year is the concert series "New Horizons" organized together with the zerland’s jazz capital, when the offbeat Jazzfestival Basel presents well- Kunstmuseum Basel, which will celebrate its premiere in the atmospheric known representatives of current urban funk, innovative Scandinavian jazz, courtyard of the Kunstmuseum Basel on June 30 and July 1. Audiences can U.S. jazz, as well as world music from the Orient and Africa to Cuba and look forward to a firestorm of improvised music, new musical territory, and Brazil. While the festival will start in April with the fantastic concerts de- exciting journeys of discovery! scribed below, even more highlights will follow in May to July, with excep- How Jazz Got Started in Basel tional artists such Jean-Paul Brodbeck, Fatoumata Diawara, Fado legend Jazz has not always been at home in Basel. It all started in 1975, when the Misia, Shalosh, Kyle Eastwood Quintet, Iiro Rantala and David Helbock, the organization “Jazz in Basel” was founded by Urs Blindenbacher and three Julia Hülsmann-Octet, Antonio Lizana Quintet, or the Astor Piazzolla Quin- other like-minded, destitute students with no starting capital, no sponsors, tet. For more information on all of the Jazzfestival Basel 2021 concerts, no media partners, and no patrons, but a passion for jazz music and a see their website or the upcoming May issue of Basel Life Magazine. healthy dose of dedication and hard work. Their aim was to promote www.offbeat-concert.ch ­contemporary jazz, and the first concerts included highlights like Ralph Towner, Cedar Walton, Dollar Brand, Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Elvin April Jazzfestival Program Jones in the time-honored Safranzunft in Basel. When this venue under- went renovations in the fall of 1977, the organization found a new home in Jakob Manz Project / Jeff Cascaro Group the newly build Theater Basel, where they held memorable concerts for April 24 the next 12 years, including the World Saxofon Quartet, Astor Piazzolla, Gil Evans, McCoy Tyner, Michael Petrucciani, Wayner Shorter, Oregon, and Energetic groove, soul, Chet Baker. At the end of 1989, the label “offbeat” was brought to life, and complex funk beats, 1990 marked the premiere of the International Jazzfestival Basel, which and melodic ballads are took place almost exclusively in the Theater Basel at that time. The follow- the trademarks of the ing year, club concerts were also held at the Atlantis, and since 1995, Jakob Manz Project, ­offbeat has enjoyed a successful cooperation with the Jazzschule Basel. who have received nu- merous prizes at jazz Jazzfestival Basel 2021 festivals. The 19-year-old bandleader Jakob Manz has played with such Last year was supposed to mark the 30th anniversary of the Jazzfestival well-known musicians as Wolfgang Schmid, Randy Brecker, Ack van Basel, but with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, many of the planned ­Rooyen, and Wolfgang Dauner. At age 16 he was accepted into Germany’s concerts had to be postponed or cancelled altogether. Following a post- Federal Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO) and performed with them in German ponement marathon, about 18 memorable concerts were able to take concert halls such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the Cologne

4 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com ­Phil­harmonic, and the Gasteig in Munich, as well as in various other coun- “Fade In” was released and received the Polish Fryderyk Music Prize in the tries, including the United States, Canada, Albania, and the Netherlands. “Jazz Debut” category; it included pieces of classical music as well as jazz Jeff Cascaro was born in 1968 and has been singing for as long as he can tracks. The Atom String Quartet’s next albums also were each named “Al- ­remember. His professional career began at age 18, when he won the bum of the Year” in Poland. The formation has worked with Branford Mar- ­competition “Jugend jazzt.” He first was successful as a background singer salis, Bobby McFerrin, Gil Goldstein, Vladyslav Sendecki, Mino Cinelu, and guest musician with a host of top big bands. Since 2000, the versatile Paolo Fresu, Leszek Mo d er, Lars Danielsson, Zohar Fresco, and Jerzy singer and trumpeter has also been a professor of jazz singing at the Franz Maksymiuk and also went on a concert tour with the NDR Big Band in 2019. Liszt University of Music in Weimar. In 2006, Cascaro carefully prepared his Polish saxophonist Maciej Obara was able to leave his mark in the band of debut album under his own name, demonstrating what it means to have the Polish trumpeter Tomasz Sta ko a few years ago and caused a sensa- the “Soul of a Singer.” His seventh and most recent release is a live CD tion in his home country with his band Obara International. His internation- called “Pure.” He will be coming to Basel with his group, which includes al career is still in its infancy, although his current album “Unloved” (ECM) Roberto Di Gioia on piano, Christian v. Kaphengst on bass, and Paul Hoch- is opening many doors for him, and he has understandably been invited to städter on drums. This Soul & Funk-Jazz double concert is the first of the the gala concert at “Jazzahead.” His mentor and colleague Sta ko has 2021 Jazzfestival Basel and will take place at the Atlantis in Basel, starting praised Obara as a great musician whose music is simultaneously power- at 20:00; tickets are available through www.starticket.ch; they are ful, profound, and full of charm and beauty. In his current quartet, Obara CHF 40.20–76.90 for seating and CHF 31 for standing room. and his three excellent fellow musicians explore the depths of possible www.offbeat-concert.ch soundscapes with a likable ease. This double concert of Polish jazz will take place at the Gare du Nord starting at 19:30; tickets are available through www.starticket.ch for CHF 40.20–59.60. Känzig & Känzig Feat. Jean-Paul Brodbeck / Kadri Voorand Duo www.offbeat-concert.ch April 25 Double bass player Hei- ri Känzig is an integral Kaspar Ewald Exorbitantes Kabinett Plus Arte Quartet part of the international April 28 and national jazz scene; Kaspar Ewald and his “Exorbitantes Anna Känzig’s crystal- Kabinett” recently celebrated their 20th clear voice is one of the anniversary. Ewald hails from Liestal and most concise in recent is a full-time professor at the Zürich Uni- Swiss music history. And yet the careers of the renowned jazz musician versity of the Arts. His music seems com- and his successful niece and pop musician did not intersect for a long time. plex, but grooves like the devil and is A concert organizer gave the Heiri Känzig the idea of performing with his some of the best that jazz has to offer niece. The resulting event was not only very well received by the audience, with beguiling sound explorations. Over but also gave the two musicians so much obvious joy on stage that now, the years, this border-crosser between jazz and classical music and his accompanied by pianist Jean-Paul Brodbeck and drummer Dominik Burk­ “Exorbitantes Kabinett” have played their way into the top tier of (Swiss) halter, the band is perfect. After a few intensive songwriting sessions, their jazz. The 14-member ensemble has gone from being an insider tip to a repertoire was supplemented with own compositions. Anna Känzig likes to permanent fixture in the big-band format, and some even consider them experiment with various styles of music and feels at home in several “the most breathtaking jazz product in Switzerland.” Rocking, dynamic, genres, and when Känzig & Känzig play jazzy elements mixed with poppy Zappa-esque textures; polyrhythms; sharp staccato brass sections; a passages, a unique chemistry and very special atmosphere emerges. The spectrum from big band jazz to funk to new music, from James Brown to Estonian singer and composer Kadri Voorand started out as a violinist in Stravinsky; all the while interpreted with tremendous playfulness, but also her mother’s folk ensemble at an early age. However, her focus quickly with wit and cheerfulness—this only begins to describe their performance. turned to concerts and recordings of her own, multi-faceted and brilliantly This concert entitled “Swiss Innovation” will be presented at the Gare du performed songs. Her music moves at the interface between jazz, pop, and Nord at 20:00; tickets are available through www.starticket.ch and cost folk. In her home country, she is a national star and appears regularly in CHF 38.20–53.50. large concert halls. She was named “Young Cultural Personality of the Year” by Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid—just one of numerous awards www.offbeat-concert.ch she has received in her homeland, including the “Estonian Music Award.” And the young artist is also attracting more and more attention beyond the Hout Records—Label Night Estonian borders, in southern and eastern Europe. On this evening, she April 29 will be playing as a duo with bassist and guitarist Mihkel Mälgand. The double concert entitled “New Voices” will take place at the Atlantis Basel at The young Basel music label Hout Records stands for the innovative musical 20:00; tickets are available through www.starticket.ch; they are CHF 40.20– spirit of the city. Founded in 2017 by former Jazzcampus students, the label 76.90 for seating and CHF 31 for standing room. offers a platform for contemporary and jazz-rooted music of a postmodern generation. Thus, at this year’s second edition of “Houtfest,” the audience at www.offbeat-concert.ch the Jazzcampus can expect a multidimensional live experience—immersive, cross-disciplinary, and on the highest musical level. Invited by the offbeat Atom String Quartet / Maciej Obara Quartet Jazzfestival Basel, Hout Records presents some of their most versatile art- April 27 ists. The young exceptional talent Raphaël Rossé from Australia with his trio The Atom String Quartet is a Polish for- Mimon and the British-Italian-Danish trio of drummer Phelan Burgoyne mation that plays jazz-related and clas- bring the classical concert character to the stage. This is contrasted by a sical music and has a reputation for re- “duo vs. duo vs. dance performance” with Basel singer Anna Hirsch (Hila inventing the string quartet and locating Puntur, Ikarus), as well as a continuous sound installation by sound artist it between the genres. It was founded in Luca Pusch. The evening will be rounded off by the 12-member Elfton En- 2010 by four graduates of the Warsaw semble of saxophonist and composer Niko Seibold. The “Houtfest” at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music; in the same year, they were awarded Jazzcampus Basel will take place from 19:00–23:15. the “New Hope of Music Lovers” award. In June 2011, the group’s album www.offbeat-concert.ch photo credits: © wikipedia/joergens.mi (top left); © thomas kiel (jakob manz projekt); © dovile sermokas (jeff cascaro); © courtesy of the artists (känzig & känzig, kadri voorand, atom April 2021 5 string quartet, kaspar ewald) EventsEvents in in Basel: Basel: April February 2021 2015 (continued)

Easter Time at the Haus zum Kirschgarten Until April 11

At Easter time, an impressive bouquet of more than 150 artistically painted Easter eggs awaits visitors again in the garden pavilion of the Haus zum Kirschgarten. In the cozy garden and on the ground floor of the mansion, children can take part in the popular Easter search game and win a choco- late bunny. For those who prefer a virtual search game, the search for ob- jects from their collection in the 3D model is open again. Those who find the solution word can collect a prize at the museum. To do the virtual search game, visit www.hmb.ch/en/news/news/easter-time. This web- site also offers a fun coloring picture of three rabbits. www.hmb.ch

Borderlines Extended Until May 30 May 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. To commemorate this occasion, the Historisches Museum Basel at Barfüs- serkirche is staging a special exhibition about Basel during the era of Na- tional Socialism. The Nazi regime in Germany and World War II had a signif- icant impact on life in Basel and the whole border region between 1933 and 1945. The exhibition delves into cross-border relationships and asks where the people of Basel, the Swiss authorities, and local businesses and institu- tions stood in relation to National Socialism and the Nazi state. Refugees and refugee policies, the political climate, economic ties, the challenges faced by Basel’s Jewish population, the campaign to defend Switzerland’s cultural identity, and everyday life during the war are among the themes presented. The exhibition recounts the fortunes of individuals as well as ex- plores borderline cases of all kinds, whether geographical, personal, legal, or ethical, providing plenty of food for thought on how we handle the past. This trilingual exhibition (German, French, English) has been extended until the end of May and is accessible via eGuide. www.hmb.ch

Art Leu Family. Caresser la Peau du Ciel Until October 17 The Leu family is well known among tattoo fans worldwide. In the late 1960s and 1970s, Felix and Loretta Leu used their tattooing skills to fund extensive travels with their four children Ama, Aia, Filip, and Ajja. These years on the road were nourished by artistic curiosity, forming the basis for a distinct family cosmos. Featuring works by all members of the family, the exhibition at the Museum Tinguely offers an insight into this special uni- verse. www.tinguely.ch

6 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Under the Magnifying Glass Of Harmony and Ecstasy. Music in the Ancient Until December 2022 Civilizations April 18 – September 19 Music played a central role in many ancient cultures and could be heard in all areas of life. The exhibition “Of Harmony and Ecstasy” explores the di- verse uses of music in antiquity while also focusing on its inherent dichot- omy. While Apollo, the patron of music and the arts, reflects the order of civilization with the gentle sounds of his lyre, the loud whistles of flutes and the rhythms of tambourines played by the Dionysian demons are a product of the impulsive chaos of primordial nature. In this new exhibit at the An- tikenmuseum Basel, replicas of musical instruments and audio points give an insight into the ancient world of sound and allow visitors to experience ancient music acoustically. www.antikenmuseumbasel.ch

Augusta Raurica was a Roman settlement that was constructed about 15 BC. For over 300 years, it was a flourishing metropolis with about 15,000 Operatic Children’s Theater—Die Zauberflöte inhabitants. Today, the site, which spreads over the two communities of (The Magic Flute) Augst (BL) and Kaiseraugst (AG), is both an excavation site and a research April 21, 24, 25, and 28 center that gives visitors a glimpse into life as it was in Roman times. The ruins and the on-site animal park are freely accessible, and the amphithe- ater hosts occasional concerts, plays, and other events throughout the warmer months. The museum at Augusta Raurica houses many of the im- pressive finds from the ongoing excavations, including the largest silver treasure of late antiquity. In 2016, a Roman coffin made of lead was discov- ered by chance in Augst. It has been carefully recovered and meticulously examined and has provided an exciting insight into the life of a lady who lived 1,600 years ago. This latest find is the subject of a special exhibit en- titled “Unter der Lupe. Einer römischen Lebensgeschichte auf der Spur” (Under the magnifying glass. On the trail of a Roman life story). In this new exhibition, specialists from numerous fields—including anthropologists, archaeobotanists, glass specialists, restorers, and more—will weigh in on how an archaeological find is researched. Augusta Raurica can be reached by car in 20 minutes or by public transport: You can take bus 81 from Aeschenplatz, direction Reigoldswil/Liestal to the stop called Augst (www. aagl.ch). From there it is a 10-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the S1 train from the Basel SBB to Kaiseraugst and walk An opera for children? Why not? The “Magic Flute,” with Wolfgang Ama- about 15 minutes to the museum (www.sbb.ch). deus Mozart’s wonderful music, has been inspiring audiences young and www.augustaraurica.ch/en old until today. The Theater Arlecchino presents the exciting story of Prince Tamino and the bird catcher Papageno. The two are sent out by the Olafur Eliasson Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter Pamina, who was kidnapped by Duke Sarastro. The show will of course include the most beautiful April 18 – July 11 songs from the “Magic Flute”! The production, which will be played and For over 25 years, Olafur Eli- sung in Swiss dialect, will last 100 minutes (including break) and is suit- asson’s work has explored able for children starting at age 4 and their whole family; tickets are perception, movement, em- CHF 22 for adults and CHF 17 for kids; CHF 17 and CHF 12 for holders of bodied experience, and feel- the Familienpass. ings of self. Art, for him, is a www.theater-arlecchino.ch crucial means for turning thinking into doing in the world. Eliasson’s diverse Arc-en-Ciel Concert—In Birsfelden works—including sculpture, painting, photography, film, April 25 and installations—have been The Sinfonieorchester Basel’s Arc-en-Ciel concerts take place in various exhibited widely throughout cultural venues in the Basel region and create connections between the the world. Beyond the muse- audience and the orchestra, offering a great opportunity to get up close um and gallery, his practice and personal with the musicians! At this concert, orchestra members will engages the broader public play Daniel Schnyder’s String Quartet No. 3, “Sunrise Sunset,” and Béla space through architectural projects and interventions in civic spaces. Eli- Bartók’s String Quartet No. 2, Sz 67, BB 75. The concert will take place at asson’s art invites viewers to explore future forms of coexistence by wel- the Birsfelder Museum at 11:45. All are welcome to listen to the music as coming multiple perspectives, human and non-human alike. For his solo well as to stay for a small social gathering after the concert and enjoy a show at the Fondation Beyeler, the artist immerses the museum in a bor- drink while getting to know the musicians. Admission is free, donations are der-crossing investigation of our preconceptions of nature and culture. graciously accepted. www.fondationbeyeler.ch www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch photo credits: © daniel spehr (art leu family, top and bottom); © titine leu (art leu family, middle); © hmb (easter at haus zum kirschgarten); © hmb/natascha jansen (borderlines); © susanne schenker April 2021 7 (under the magnifying glass); © wikipedia/kamahele (olafur eliasson); © theater arlecchino (operatic children's theater) EventsEvents in in Basel: Basel: April February 2021 2015 (continued) (continued)

Moving World—Steiff Surprises and Fascinates April 27 – March 27 True gems produced by the renowned family-owned company, Margarete Steiff GmbH, in Giengen (Germany), will be on display at the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel for nearly one year. In the past, their creations were often exhibited in store windows during the Christmas season and were the highlight of a Christmas stroll. In this exhibit, you can admire some of these mechanical showpieces, which were produced for advertising purposes, in motion. One of the highlights of the exhibit is the scene entitled “Wochenende im Tierreich” (Weekend in the animal kingdom), which was originally produced in 1928 with 47 Steiff animals. Some of these animals were fitted with special mechanical devices that enabled them to move. The theme of this showpiece could still apply today. The animals enjoy a weekend in the wellness area, including a visit to the sauna, joint gymnastics exercises, and a small boxing match. The building complex shown was built in a very modern style for that period, based on the Bauhaus style. At over 5 meters long and 2 meters deep, the original showpiece had impressive dimensions. Although best known for the invention of the teddy bear in 1902, the Steiff family business is one of the largest and most important doll manufacturers in the world, not least because of their diverse and artistically valuable doll creations. From the beginnings of Steiff’s doll production around 1890 up to modern times, the toy manufacturer has always managed to inspire young and old with spectacular innovations and further developments. The felt dolls of the showpiece “Die Mühle im Grund” (The Mill in the Country) are a wonderful example of this extraordinary skill. You will see some 70 original Steiff felt dolls in an idyllic rural setting covering about 15 m2. This is a unique and authentic piece of European doll history, created in 1926 by the Munich doll artist and Steiff consultant, Albert Schlopsnies. The miniature people consist of humorous and characteristically reproduced realistic villagers and peas- ants in their everyday work. Both sets were exhibited at the 1933 World Fair in Chicago. In addition, numerous smaller movable mechanical Steiff pieces will be shown, as well as some impressive life-sized ones. www.spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch

8 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Basel offers an interesting mix of modern architecture; historical buildings; and quaint cobblestone streets riddled with artistic sculptures, curious statues, colorful murals, historical fountains, intricately detailed mailboxes, and other such works of art. A short walk through any part of town will have you discovering interesting and artistic gems at every corner.

How well do you know Basel? Check out the “Where in Basel?” picture in each issue and if you recognize the location, you have a chance to win a fabulous prize. If you think you know where this month’s picture was taken, send us an email at [email protected] with the subject title “Where in Basel?” by Monday, April 5. Among the respondents, we will raffle off a copy of the “prozentbuch Ba- sel,” as well as a copy of the book “Gardens—Schweiz/Suisse/ Switzerland,” published by Bergli Books. We will then post the solution on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine).

Good Luck! Solution to last month’s “Where in Basel?”: The image showed a house at Augustinergasse between Münsterplatz and Mittlere Brücke, with its little boxers—appropriately masked!

Visitez / Besuchen Sie / Visit ECOLE FRANÇAISE DE BALE

Jeudi / Donnerstag / Thursday 25.03.2021 18 : 30 – 21 : 30 22.04.2021 27.05.2021 24.06.2021

Samedi / Samstag / Saturday 27.03.2021 9 : 00 – 12 : 00 24.04.2021 29.05.2021 The cultural 26.06.2021

resource in Basel. CRECHE / KITA / DAYCARE + MATERNELLE / KINDERGARTEN / NURSERY Dornacherstrasse 192 – 4053 BASEL 0041 61 271 75 72 [email protected] [email protected]

ELEMENTAIRE / PRIMARSCHULE / PRIMARY + Books | Music | Tickets SECONDAIRE / SEKUNDARSCHULE / SECONDARY Aeschenvorstadt 2 | 4010 Basel www.biderundtanner.ch Engelgasse 103 – 4052 BASEL 0041 61 311 07 30 [email protected] [email protected] photo credits: © margarethe steiff gmbh (moving world); © christine pesold (where in basel) April 2021 9 Fun Outings: Beyond Basel

The Cat. Our Wild Pet

Until April 11 Cats are the most popular pets in Switzerland. Sometimes they are cuddly, often distant, but always headstrong. A special exhibition in the Solothurn Naturmuseum, created by the Thurgau and Olten nature museums, pres- ents the familiar and yet in many ways puzzling animal in the special exhi- bition “The Cat. Our Wild Pet” in more detail. Domestic cats lead an inde- pendent life, of which their owners often are only partly aware. As a result, the danger of “humanization” is greater with cats than with almost any other animal species. This special exhibition allows visitors to learn new and unknown things about this animal that shares its habitat with us. In an effort to reach as many people as possible, there is no admission fee, but visitors are welcome to leave a donation to further support the museum’s promotion of nature. The Naturmuseum Solothurn is located about 50 minutes from Basel by car; there are several parking garages within walking distance of the museum. The museum can also easily be reached by train and a 10-minute walk from the Solothurn train station. www.naturmuseum-so.ch

Photo Exhibit—Cicatrice Bergwerk Käpfnach Baden, AG Horgen, ZH Until May 1 April 10 to End of November Nestled on the shores of Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) is the town of Horgen, home to the Bergwerk Käpfnach, an old lignite mine with nearly 400 years of history. Often referred to as brown coal, lignite is a soft, brown, combus- tible, sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat found be- tween the rock and other sediment layers. It had very poor heating value and smelled of rotten eggs when burned, so it was really only in demand in times of crisis, such as during the two world wars. The mine first was men- tioned in the annals in 1548 and was eventually shut down for good in 1947. But thanks to a group of around 40 volunteers who founded the Käpfnach mining association in 1982, they have turned this historic lignite mine into a place for the curious to visit the mines and the attached museum and get a glimpse of the hard life these miners had. When you step into the mine, you will feel as if you have time-traveled into the Middle Ages. You will take a 1.4-km ride through the 80-km network of tunnels on a train while your tour guide, who knows everything about the mine, entertains you with sto- ries of mining, its workers, and how women were not permitted in the mine because they were thought to bring “bad luck”! A short walk to a mining slot will illustrate the difficult conditions under which the coal was mined. The critical points of the mine have all been reinforced and secured. In the mining museum, a film describes the historical, geological, and current The photo exhibit “Cicatrice” (Scarring) by photographer Kostas Maros in aspects of the Käpfnach mine. Visitors can work independently at the vari- Baden shows 17 large-format photographs taken in Tuscany, in the quar- ous stations to learn more about mining. Public tours including a visit to ries of the famous Carrara marble. From the distance, the quarries look the museum and a trip into the tunnel are offered at 13:00 and 15:00 from like snow, but on closer inspection they form deep scars in the mountains. April to November; please register in advance at 044-725-3935. They are Carrara marble has been used for hundreds of years (for example, Michel- intended for individuals and families and last about 2 hours. Tours will be angelo used it for his sculptures). For Maros, the marble quarrying in the given in small groups; masks and registration of contact information are Carrara quarries is a metaphor for the excessive global human interfer- obligatory. Price is CHF 15 for adults, CHF 10 for youths starting at age 12, ence with nature: automation, scarcity of resources, concentration of and CHF 8 for kids ages 6–11; the Museumspass is accepted for free ad- wealth, and the conflict between environment and production. But the mission. It is recommended to wear good marble is running out in the quarries of Carrara. According to geologists, shoes and warm clothes because the the famous stone will last for 50 years. However, even when people leave temperature in the tunnel is 13 degrees the landscape they created in Tuscany, the scars will remain. The exhibit is year-round. You will be provided with a shown at Galerie 94 in Baden, about a 40-minute drive from Basel. You can helmet to wear during the entire stay in also get there by train; the gallery is 1 minute from the train station. The the tunnel, and you are permitted to bring exhibit is open until May 1. Only 20 visitors are allowed at a time to comply along a flashlight. Bergwerk Käpfnacht with all coronavirus protection measures. Opening hours are Thursday can be reached in about 70 minutes by 18:00–20:00 and Friday and Saturday 13:00–18:00. car or 90 minutes by public transport. www.galerie94.ch/kostas-maros.html www.bergwerk-kaepfnach.ch

10 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Verkehrshaus (Transport Museum) Luzern, LU If you or your kids are interested in trains, planes, automobiles, and any other modes of transport, you can take the family to the amazing Verkehrshaus, Switzerland’s fabulous transport museum, in Luzern! Visitors can experience the past, present, and future of mobility with fun and educational life-sized interactive exhibits on different modes of transportation. The centerpiece of the road transport hall is an imposing display store with 80 examples from different eras of road transport history, as well as a crash test facility. In the rail exhibit, you can find different types of trains, as well as a train simulator where kids can learn to drive a train over bridges, through tunnels, and safely back into the station. The exhibit on water transportation will take you through the history of submarines, ships, and ferries, and even teach you how to navigate. The aerial cableway exhibition showcases the speed with which one can travel from the valley to the highest mountain peaks using a cableway—from the first generation of manually operated transport contraptions and ski lifts to the latest large-capacity cabins. In the section on aviation, historical airplanes, helicopters, and spectacular flying machines as well as numer- ous original items, models, dioramas, experiments, and simulators take you to new heights. What did the first rockets look like? What do astronauts have to take with them to survive in space? What is the surface of Mars like? You can find the answers to all these questions in the unique exhibition simply called “Space.” Among its highlights are a “Space Transformer” (a walk-in cube revolving at slow speed); a multi-axis trainer that simulates rotating in a space capsule; and a walk-on Mars landscape, complete with three full-sized Mars rovers. In addition to mobility, the museum has an exhibit on information technology, which explains how a computer works and how problems in computer science are solved; a “Media World” that allows you to experiment with a range of media, including virtual reality goggles, a TV studio, a green-screen facility, and a 360° photo booth for taking all-round selfies; and the newest exhibit, “Experience Logistics,” which explains how goods and commodities circulate around the globe. The museum also houses a planetarium, an IMAX cinema (check the website for the program), as well as the “Swiss Chocolate Adventure”—an adventure ride where visitors can learn about the discovery, provenance, manufacture, and transport of chocolate, as well as taste various Lindt creations—an exhibit for all of your sense! The Verkehrshaus is about 60 minutes from Basel, but you should try to go early and prepare to spend the whole day as there is simply so much to see and do. They are open 365 days a year; opening hours are 10:00–18:00 in summer (10:00–17:00 in winter). You can buy a day-pass that allows access to all exhibits, including the IMAX cinema, planetarium, and “Swiss Chocolate Adventure,” or you can purchase tickets for the individual sectors. Discounts on the admission are available with your COOP Hello Family Card, Swiss Museum Pass, TCS Touring Club Schweiz, or by purchasing a SBB RailAway combi ticket. www.verkehrshaus.ch

Baselland’s Picturesque Blooming Season Bikepark Hölstein

Baselland is one of the main producers of Hölstein, BL cherries in Switzerland. In addition to the Interested in a sporty form of biking? Bikepark Hölstein may be the an- plethora of cherry trees dotting the land- swer, and it is not only for seasoned freestylers on their dirt and full-­ scape, there are also lots of orchards suspension mountain bikes. The park is suitable for young and old, ad- with apple, pear, or plum trees, all of vanced and beginners. Even little kids who can barely walk shred their which bloom at slightly different times in wheels across the grounds at the entrance to Hölstein. This bike park is a spring. Depending on the weather each roughly 3,000 m2 outdoor area with a Pumptrack with Dirtline as well as a year, the peak blooming season can technical park. It is suitable for practically all disciplines of cycling, as a stretch from the end of March to the be- training option, or simply for a change to gain new experiences on the bike. ginning of May. Explore Baselland’s gor- Here, adventure fans of all ages can practice their off-road biking skills geous seasonal blooming of the various fruit-bearing trees, as well as the and technique. Helmets are manda- yellow rapeseed fields that make for amazing color pops, with the help of tory and other protection is highly the Baselland Tourismus office. Each year, they put together several tours recommended. It is located near to see the “Bluescht,” as the peak blossom season is called around here. Liestal and is always open to the pub- Some of these are hikes (Blueschtwanderungen), some can be done by lic. There is no membership required public transport (Blueschtrundfahrt mit ÖV), one can be done by car and no fee to pay, simply show up with (Bluescht-Tour mit Auto), as well as by e-bike by following the marked trail, your bike to use the Bikepark Höl- or by joining a guided group e-bike tour. Check out their website for ideas stein. The technical park and jumping and up-to-date information on how to make the most of this season’s facilities are always open, but they “Bluescht.” Enjoy the rural tranquility, the fresh air perfumed by the mil- ask you not to ride the dirt pumptrack lions of blooms, the camera-ready gorgeous landscapes, and the regional in wet or rainy conditions (ie, if the specialties available for visitors to try along the way. earth sticks to the tires). www.baselland-tourismus.ch/suche/bluescht www.bikeparkhoelstein.ch photo credits: © shutterstock/volodymyr nik (the cat); © kostas maros (cicatrice); © bergwerksverein käpfnach; © johanna unternährer/verkehrshaus; © roger hofstetter/verkehrshaus; April 2021 11 © susanne hiller (baselland blooming season); © florian kaeser (bikepark hölstein) Swiss Tradition

The Glorious Asparagus

Along with the arrival of spring, you may have noticed a certain vegetable History of Asparagus becoming the focus and headliner at local supermarkets and farmers The earliest image of asparagus is on an Egyptian frieze dating to 3000 BC, markets—asparagus (“Spargel” in German). Spring is officially “Spargel- where it is pictured as part of an offering. Greeks and Romans ate it fresh zeit” (asparagus season) as local crops become ready for harvesting in when in season, as well as dried it for use in winter. Romans would freeze early April. In Switzerland, asparagus is a particular specialty of the Valais it high in the Alps, for the Feast of Epicurus. A recipe for cooking asparagus region, where it grows best in the sandy soil between Martigny, Fully, and is even found in the oldest surviving cookbook, Apicius’ “De re coquinaria, Saxon. Asparagus also plays a starring role on the menus in neighboring Book III” from the third century A.D. However, asparagus really only started Germany and particularly the region of Baden, from just beyond the border to gain popularity in Europe in the 1500s. here up to the area of Heidelberg. (Lower Saxony in northern Germany is also a prime asparagus-growing region.) There is even a scenic “Aspara- gus Route” that runs through the region of Baden and along which you will Asparagus Varieties find many towns that celebrate the harvest season with a “Spargelfest” The asparagus plant was long thought (asparagus festival). Practically every restaurant along this route sells to be part of the lily family, along with dishes in spring with asparagus as an appetizer, soup, side dish, main the onion, garlic, and tulips; however, entrée, or even part of a dessert (www.mygermancity.com/baden- genetic research has more recently asparagus-route)! placed it in its own family. Only one of the five main species of asparagus is A drive through any asparagus-growing region in spring will have you en- edible, but within that species, there are counter farmers’ road-side stands selling fresh asparagus (“frischer Spar- numerous varieties that come in many gel”) picked earlier in the day—be sure to stop and treat yourself! You can flavors, colors, and thicknesses from also buy local white asparagus at the supermarket; note, however, that the pencil thin to thick. The part you eat is season at farmers’ markets traditionally finishes on June 24 (“Johannis­ the young shoot of the plant, harvested tag,” or Nativity of St. John the Baptist); after this date, the plants are al- before it grows into the full plant. lowed to grow out and become a bush, to gather enough strength for the next year. Therefore, any asparagus that you buy after this date may not be While you may picture a green vegetable when you think of asparagus, the local or fresh. most popular variety in Europe is white. To cultivate white asparagus, the shoots are covered with soil as they grow: without exposure to sunlight With the many ways of preparing this vegetable, not to mention the health there is no photosynthesis, and the shoots remain white in color. You can benefits it possesses, now might be a great time to get acquainted with this easily recognize asparagus fields by the rows and rows of soil mounds that superfood. allow the shoots to grow taller before they reach the light. They need to be harvested just as they break through the soil, otherwise the tips will turn greenish or violet. This is a strenuous job, as workers have to patrol the fields once or twice a day, spending most of the time bent over to inspect the soil mounds for signs of asparagus spears breaking through the sur- face and cutting them off deep underground.

Compared with the green variety, the white asparagus is less bitter and more tender. However, white asparagus always has to be peeled, so thicker spears are preferred. For green asparagus, thin spears can be prepared simply by snapping off the tough ends prior to cooking. No peeling is nec- essary.

12 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Dietary Benefits The World’s Healthiest Foods Rating system has awarded asparagus a rat- ing as an “excellent source” (the highest rating given) for eight vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, C, and E; folate; iron; copper; and tryptophan. It is also a great source of fiber, as well as of potassium, calci- Fun Fact um, phosphorous, and chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the abili- Have you ever noticed that your urine has an odd smell after con- ty of insulin to control blood sugar levels. suming asparagus? This is thought to be caused mainly by a sul- fur-containing compound unique to asparagus (asparagusic acid) At only 20 calories per 100 g, asparagus is packed with antioxidants and that, when metabolized, is converted into volatile compounds giv- ranks among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize ing off a distinctive smell. Other sulfur-containing compounds cell-damaging free radicals. It is a particularly rich source of glutathione, found in asparagus called mercaptans—which are also found in a detoxifying compound that helps break down cancer-causing agents and rotten eggs, onions, garlic, and skunk scent—may also play a role, other harmful compounds, which may help protect against and fight cer- but scientists have not yet figured out all the details. There are no tain forms of cancer. harmful effects, either from the sulfuric compounds or the odor.

Serving Suggestions Interestingly, not everybody seems to produce these odorous com- pounds after eating asparagus. Moreover, not everyone has the ability to actually detect the smell. Whether you can or can’t is ge- netically determined. You’ll know it if you are one of those who can!

The “classic” way to eat white asparagus in Switzerland is to peel the as- paragus, boil it for about 20 minutes in salt water with a bit of sugar added, and then serve it with new potatoes (which is why you will often find small new potatoes next to the asparagus in the store), thin slices of ham (eg, Schwarzwälder Schinken), and either melted butter or Hollandaise sauce. In France, asparagus is also often steamed and served with olive oil, Par- mesan cheese, or mayonnaise. Asparagus is a great vegetable to use in soups, chopped and added into a broth with other veggies of choice, or as the main ingredient in a warming cream soup (see recipe below).

Whatever color you choose, you can also roast, grill, or stir-fry your aspar- agus. These quick-cooking, waterless methods will preserve the fantastic nutritional content and antioxidant power of asparagus. Enjoy!

White Asparagus Soup Ingredients: 1 kg white asparagus 2.5 L vegetable bouillon 50 mL white wine 150 mL cream Chives (optional)

Directions: Remove the pretty tips of the asparagus spears and if they are large, cut them in half. Peel the bottom two thirds of the remaining spears and dis- card the hard ends (usually 2–3 cm). Prepare 2 liters of vegetable bouillon, add the white wine and bring to a boil. Chop the spears into pieces and boil them in this bouillon until soft (about 30–40 minutes). In a separate pot containing 0.5 liters of bouillon, cook the asparagus tips for about 10–15 minutes; these should remain a little crunchy. Remove the asparagus tips and pour the remaining bouillon in with the spears. When the spears are soft, remove them from the heat and puree the bouillon and spears togeth- er until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until frothy, not stiff. Blend the frothy cream gently into the warm soup, along with the aspara- gus tips. Sprinkle with a few chopped fresh chives at serving for presenta- tion. Serve with a chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Note that you can also use green asparagus instead of white asparagus. photo credits: © pixabay April 2021 13 MarketsEvents inand Basel: Fairs February 2015 (continued)

Flea Market in Petersplatz April 10, 17, and 24

Every Saturday from 7:30–16:00, Petersplatz is a popular meeting place for all flea-­market lovers. From fine antiques to bicycles, coins, dishes, and stamps, there is something for everyone—at extremely competitive prices. Also, in the warmer months (this year until October 2), kids ages 4–14 are welcome to sell their own children’s items in the center of the square from 8:00–15:30. They can just spread out a blanket with their wares (maximum 2 m wide x 1 m deep), and someone will come around to collect the CHF 5 stand fee. No electronic items or war toys permitted! There is plenty of animation for the kids and fun for the whole family.

Clothing and Garage Flea Market Children’s Flea Market April 22 and 24 April 24 The Wohn- und Büro­ At this flea market, children zentrum für Körper­ and their parents can sell their behinderte (WBZ) is a used children’s items (clothes, lively organization that books, toys, sports equipment) provides barrier-free at the Cécile-Ines-Loos An- qualified jobs and living lage, organized by Treffpunkt arrangements for people Breite. The flea market will with disabilities. They take place from 10:00–14:00. generate a large part of There will be an on-site open- their financial means air café starting at 11:00. To with their own services sell items, you can rent a spot for CHF 5. For optimal display of your items, and products, to supple- tables will be available to rent for CHF 10. This event will be cancelled in ment the pensions of the the event of bad weather; get updates at www.qtp-basel.ch/breite. residents, public contri- www.qtp-basel.ch/events/kindersachenflohmarkt_fruehling butions, and private donations. They receive donations of top-quality items all year round that are inspected, cleaned, and sorted by residents and volunteers alike. These items are then sold to raise money for this import- Plant Market ant organization by holding several cherished flea markets throughout the April 24 year, including a 4-day collectors’ flea market in October, as well as three Spring is here, and the bal- clothing markets and three “garage” flea markets. This year, there will be conies and gardens are a clothing flea market on April 22 where you can expect a huge selection of ready to be planted—prefer- clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories from 11:00–16:00. There will ably with versatile and edi- also be a “garage flea market” on April 24 from 9:00–14:00, with seasonal ble plants. At this plant mar- items like garden furniture and equipment, summer sports items, and ket, you will learn all about much more. The WBZ is located at Aumattstrasse 71 in Reinach and can be planting and gardening, as reached by tram 11, stop called “Landererstrasse.” If you live in the area well as have an opportunity and would like to volunteer some time, new helpers are always welcome to buy special varieties at throughout the year for sorting, repairing, washing, and storing, as well as the seedling and seed market. You can find everything that is needed for setting up, decorating, and selling for the various flea markets—a diverse planting and ­sowing—garden tools, soil, humus, and pots—on this day at and interesting task that contributes to the well-being of people with dis- the Markthalle­ Basel. The market will take place from 10:00–15:00 and abilities. entrance is free. www.wbz.ch/cnt/flohmarkt.html www.altemarkthalle.ch

14 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Hafe Brocki (Port Flea Market) Happiness is Reading. Where you find the best stories.

Orell Füssli Freie Strasse 17 CH-4001 Basel Tel. 061 264 26 26 www.orellfüssli.ch

OF_Inserat_Basel_90x60.indd 1 26.01.18 10:06 A stroll down the Rhein past the Dreirosenbrücke on the Kleinbasel side LIVE YOUR FREE TIME. of the river will bring you to a sort of alternative industrial-charm-­ meets-urban-garden area—Holzpark Klybeck—where you will also find several riverside eateries, starting with Café Patschifig, the Landestelle scan me! open-air restaurant and bar, the Karawanserie bar, and finally, a little further down, a more Berlin-style Buvette called Marina Basel. New since last spring, you will also find the Hafe Brocki, a kind of flea-mar- ket/curio shop with one-of-a-kind items. Co-owners Marco and Andy wanted to upgrade and revitalize the area and share their passion for beautiful things. A bright red surfboard with a logo points the way to the two converted containers with a garden and all sorts of cachets. The 2 Hafe Brocki extends to around 100 m and has been designed with an www.colourkey.ch incredible amount of love and an eye for detail. In the back there is a kind of garden oasis with old pub furniture, which can of course be bought, as well as a neat, self-made, small pond. There are no cheap items here, only select vintage items of good workmanship, many in industrial style, including old restaurant furniture, stylish industrial lamps, clothes, jewelry, countless Asian objects, and other such trea- sures. True to its location in the port of Basel, fans of nautical wares will also be impressed. As Bohemian as its location, the opening times Brochures Ring binders Books Postcards & flyers Folded cards can vary depending on the weather. In good weather, Hafe Brocki is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 16:00–20:00. A late-day visit to the Hafe Brocki can be combined with a detour to one of the nearby bars and eateries for a drink or a pleasant meal. Folded flyers & Envelopes & personalised Rollup-Displays Posters www.hafe-brocki.ch Business cards letter papers Mailings ... and other solutions for your individual communication.

Job Factory Basel AG | Bordeaux-Strasse 5 | 4053 Basel | 061 560 01 44 | www.printhouse.ch

Hooray – it’s finally Spring! kidsmusic.ch

photo credits: © canton basel-stadt/bettina matthiessen (flea market at petersplatz); © pixabay (clothing and garage flea market, children's flea market, plant market); © hafe brocki April 2021 15 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Ongoing Events in April Important Numbers: Kinderspital, Spitalstrasse 33, Basel Calendar Key: SOS: 112 061-704-1212 (for more info refer to this section) Borderlines Police: 117 Afterhours Pharmacy, Feature Event Until May 30 Fire Department: 118 Petersgraben 3, Basel Basel Events A Hand in Need / Suicide Hotline: 143 061-263-7575 Beyond Basel Art Leu Family. Caresser la Peau du Ciel Ambulance: 144 Emergency Dentist/Doctor, Markets and Fairs Until October 17 Poison Center: 145 24 hour/365 Days Service Sports and Recreation Child / Teen Hotline: 147 061-261-1515 Workshop, Tours, and Education Under the Magnifying Glass Emergency Veterinarian, Entertainment Until December 2022 24 hour/365 Days Service 090-099-3399 Olafur Eliasson April 18 – July 11 4 5 6 7 Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Of Harmony and Ecstasy. The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet Music in the Ancient Civilizations Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry April 18 – September 19

Moving World—Steiff Surprises and Fascinates April 27, 2021 – March 27, 2022

Photo Exhibit—Cicatrice Until May 1 Bergwerk Käpfnach 11 12 13 14 April 10 – End of November Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry The Cat. Our Wild Pet ViaMozart (Streamed) Earth at Its Limits Until May 30

Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Living Abstraction Until June 20

Big City Life Until June 20

18 19 20 21 Workshop—How to Build a City Ballet on All Stages Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Operatic Kids‘ Theater—The Magic Flute Theater—Philoket Chamber Music European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Theater—Master & Margarita Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry Opera—Intermezzo Theater—Master & Margarita Sol Gabetta Classiques! Zauberei und Ritterwahn

25 26 27 28 Jazzfestival—Känzig & Känzig / Kadri Voorand Beethoven 5 Jazzfestival—Atom String / Maciej Obara Jazzfestival—Kaspar Ewald / Arte Quartet Operatic Kids‘ Theater—The Magic Flute Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Operatic Kids‘ Theater—The Magic Flute Arc-en-Ciel Concert—In Birsfelden Toddler Tales (Online) Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Opera—Intermezzo Theater—Moby Dick: The Solo Muttenz Marathon Open Mic Tour—Earth at Its Limits Theater—The Square Theater—Odyssee Opera—Intermezzo Concert—End and Beginning

Your DENTIST in Basel

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Member of: FMH Swiss Medical Association Swiss Dental Association

Holbeinstrasse 81 061 281 60 05 4051 Basel www.zahnarztpraxis-villiger.ch WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY APRIL 1 2 3 Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet Wine Shop After-School English Story Time (Online) Ballet on All Stages (Online) Guided Tour of Basel’s Townhall Wine Bar Boulevard Jazzcampus Focusyear Band 21 Just for you! Fondue Vigneronne

8 9 10 Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten Easter Time at Haus zum Kirschgarten The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet The Cat. Our Wild Pet Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry Guided Bicycle Tours Ballet on All Stages (Online) Flea Market at Petersplatz After-School English Story Time (Online) Guided Tour of Basel’s Townhall Jazzcampus Focusyear Band 21

… probably the most beautiful wine bar in Basel 15 16 17 Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry Guided Bicycle Tours Theater—The Square Flea Market at Petersplatz Tuesday - Saturday 11am to 10pm After-School English Story Time (Online) Guided Tour of Basel’s Townhall Theater—Philoket Theater—The Square Blumenrain 24 · 4051 Basel · vin-optimum.ch Theater—Moby Dick: The Solo

Basel’s English Dentist

Dr. Garry Bonsall Dental Surgeon 22 23 24 Jazzfestival—Jakob Manz / Jeff Cascaro Operatic Kids‘ Theater—The Magic Flute Clothing Market at WBZ European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Operatic Kids‘ Theater—The Magic Flute Award‐winning European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Guided Bicycle Tours Ballet on All Stages Flea Market at Petersplatz Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Acoustics—Tremendous T. Garage Flea Market at WBZ Author Theater—Master & Margarita After-School English Story Time (Online) Collegium Musicum—Vienna. Classic Children’s Flea Market / Plant Market Sol Gabetta Classiques! Theater—Master & Margarita European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Zauberei und Ritterwahn Theater—Philoket Guided Tour of Basel’s Townhall Painless, latest Opera—Intermezzo Saving Lives: CPR & First Aid (Online) Barroso/Nisinman & Peirani/Parisien Theater—The Square family dental care, Wiener Philharmoniker Theater—Moby Dick: The Solo braces, implants, Songwriter Slam Klanglichter 2021: Belcanto Concert—End and Beginning and hygienist — in English 29 30 Jazzfestival—Kaspar Ewald / Arte Quartet Jazzfestival—Hout Records Label Night Theater—Moby Dick: The Solo Operatic Kids‘ Theater—The Magic Flute Guided Bicycle Tours Classiques!—Mémoire d’un Grand Artiste Book 24/7 online Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Free Evening Entry After-School English Story Time (Online) International UNESCO Jazz Day www.DrBonsall.ch Theater—Moby Dick: The Solo Opera—Intermezzo Open Mic Red Hot Serenaders St. Alban Vorstadt 78 Call today: 061 271 06 04 WhatsApp: 079 926 30 99

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SIS Swiss International School Erlenstrasse 15 CH-4058 Basel Phone +41 61 683 71 40 [email protected] www.swissinternationalschool.ch SportsEvents and in Basel: Recreation February 2015 (continued)

European Artistic Gymnastics Championships April 21–25 This April, the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships will be making their fifth visit to Switzerland, and Basel will be hosting the event for the first time. Artistic gymnastics combines aesthetics, strength, precision, and top performance and is presented as a modern sporting event with a show charac- ter. Under the motto “Get Connected,” the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships will be a sports event rich in superlatives! The postponement of the Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic means that the spotlight is now firmly on the event in Basel. In addition to the Swiss artistic gymnastics squad that has recently celebrated international successes, the European artistic gymnastics elite of around 320 athletes from 40 countries will gather in the St. Jakobshalle Basel to compete for those coveted precious metals. To keep everybody as safe as possible, this year’s edition of the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships will be held without any spectators, which means that these dedicated athletes will have to compete in an empty stadium. However, you can watch the event live on their homepage, where the qual- ifications and finals will be streamed. The Swiss national squad as well as the participating athletes from all over Europe are counting on your support on their social media channels. www.basel2021.com/en

Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Guided Bicycle Tours April 6, 13, 20, and 27 April 8, 15, 22, and 29 If you enjoy cycling, there are many gorgeous opportunities to explore Switzerland on bike or e-bike this season. If you would like to join a guided group bike tour in and around the Basel area, the Touring Club Schweiz (TCS) organizes group bicycle tours for avid cyclists in different regions of Switzerland; to see a list of tours that depart from the Basel area, visit www.velotouren-bs.ch/tcs-velogruppe/jahresprogramm-tcs. They offer several tours per month from April to October, each ranging from ­50–80 km. For these tours, you meet in the morning, travel through a doz- en or so towns, and have lunch along the way (bring money and I.D.) before returning to Basel. All tours are free and no registration is necessary, but you can contact the tour leader in advance if you like; information for each tour and its respective guide is provided on their website.

Muttenz Marathon Swiss Cycling beider Basel is hosting April 25 four Tuesday-evening bicycle races this The town of Muttenz will host its month (and another one in May) that 12th marathon at the end of start at 19:00 in Möhlin, around 20 min- April—the Muttenz Marathon. utes from Basel. Races are held on a The marathon involves two 3.4-km loop, and distances depend on rounds on a 21-km route the age category, ranging from 10.2 km through the town and surround- for kids born 2005–2008 (2004 for girls) ing forested area, with an alti- to 44.2 km for elite cyclists. To learn all tude difference of 500 m for the pertinent information, go to their each round. Additional race cat- website and click on “Reglement” on egories include a half-marathon the left side of the page to download (one 21-km round), a 10-km the official flyer. spring run, a 1.5-km youth run, www.cyclingbeiderbasel.ch/ and a 0.8-km kids’ run. There di-abendrennen/ are different age categories for

18 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com the various runs. New this year will be a walking/Nordic walking competi- Bike to Work tion on the same route as the 10-km runners, starting 10 minutes later. All Bike to Work, a project of Pro Velo Switzerland, is a Swiss- runs start and end at the Schulhaus Margelacker in Muttenz, which can be wide health promotion campaign to encourage people to reached by tram 14 (stop called “Käppeli” + 400 m walk); there is also bike to and from their place of work in the months of May parking near the Sportplatz Margelacker. You can register online for the and/or June, but the time to register for this project is now. runs until April 23; the number of competitors for each category is limited. For the Bike to Work challenge, more than 70,000 commuters from about Cost is CHF 65 for the marathon, CHF 45 for the half-marathon, CHF 25 for 2,400 companies strengthen their team spirit and fitness, while supporting the 10-km spring race and walking/Nordic walking race, CHF 8 for the sustainable mobility. youth run, and CHF 5 for the kids’ run. On-the-spot registration is also pos- sible (until 45 minutes before the respective run) for an additional cost. The Why Bike to Work? three fastest women and men in each category will receive a prize, and all There are countless reasons why one should bike to work—among others, finishers will receive a medal. There will be plenty of refreshments offered cycling helps your body release “happy” neurochemicals, such as sero- by the sponsors along the route, as well as a grill, drink, and cake stand on tonin and dopamine, that enhance your feeling of well-being as well as in- the festival grounds. crease concentration and receptiveness. In addition, cycling increases your www.muttenz-marathon.ch fitness level and health, which in turn lowers resting pulse rate and in- creases blood oxygen levels; helps you get rid of stress hormones, making it easier to achieve a balance between stress and relaxation; and saves The New Riehen Dance Center money as well as the environment. Joining the Bike to Work challenge can give you all of these benefits, as well as promote a team spirit, help you experience the joy of discovery along the way (eg, new paths, parks, land- marks, or the scent of tree blossoms), and give you a chance to win fantas- tic prizes!

How Does it Work? Companies register for the annual challenge and cover the participation fee—they must choose to participate in the challenge either for the month of May or June, or for both May and June. Once the company is registered, the staff that wish to participate form teams of 1-4 persons who will then travel to and from work by bike as often as possible in the time frame cho- sen. Working from your home office because of the coronavirus pandemic? You still can participate by logging in your private bike rides on home-office days. One member per team can participate on foot, scooter, skateboard, or other means. A combination of bike and public transport is permitted, as is a combination of bike and car; even e-bikes are allowed! Each time you ride, you must record your distance in the calendar, or you can download the practical Bike to Work app, which will record your kilometers automat- At the new Riehen Dance Center, which opened last month in the center of ically and enter them in the calendar in real-time. As a participant, you can the town, a team of renowned and experienced international teachers full download the app free of charge through the iTunes Store or Google Play. of passion and dedication aims to offer training, consolidation, and promo- With a smartphone in your pocket, you have constant access to your per- tion of the art of dance in all its forms. From classical, modern, and con- sonal challenge calendar and can easily check how your team is doing and temporary to jazz and street dance, the dance center offers lessons to chil- how many kilometers your company has covered. dren from age 4 and adults not only from the local community but the How Do You Win? whole Basel region. The dance courses are complemented with other In addition to the obvious health, fitness, social, and environmental bene- events, such as workshops, performances, shows, and various initiatives fits, individual participants who have biked on at least half of their work- intended to offer all citizens the opportunity to appreciate this art. This new days will take part in the draw for prizes worth over CHF 120,000 in total. In addition to Riehen’s cultural offers is the result of years of hard work and addition, all teams where all members achieve the 50% mark will take part experience. Anne Lassoudry, owner and teacher of the center, explains, "It in the draw for team prizes. So check with your company or human re- started with ‘Ballet Riehen,’ a classical dance school that in four years has sources department, ask them to register your company for the Bike to grown from a small neighborhood group to a consistent community of over Work challenge, and invite your colleagues to join your team. If you don’t 120 students. As demand grew, it was time to enlarge the premises in or- have a team, you can check the online Team Pool for your company, which der to accommodate the demand of the students and, together with a will show you all of the teams that still have spaces available. team, offer more diversified courses in different styles.” The strong inter- www.biketowork.ch est shown by the local community, together with the crucial need to have an appropriate and dedicated space equipped for dancing, have given Las- soudry and her team the courage to open the Riehen Dance Center, despite the difficult situation that the community and the whole world is currently going through. The efforts required to achieve this goal included the need to start a crowdfunding campaign to raise the needed funds and obtain the support from the local authorities, all in the aim to build the appropriate dancing infrastructure. “Today the Dance Center is a reality, and it is al- ready growing,” adds Lassoudry. “We are really proud of this achievement. In the context that we live in, being able to love, learn, and perform a dance, gives life a whole new meaning.” You can find the Riehen Dance Center at Bahnhofstrasse 25 in Riehen. For more information on their offers, check out their website or contact them at [email protected]. www.riehendance.com photo credits: © jasmin schneebeli (european artistic gymnastics championships); © heinz kaufmann (tuesday evening bicycle race); © samuel riolo/rainer hauch (muttenz marathon); April 2021 19 © riehen dance center; © pro velo schweiz (bike to work) SportsEvents and in Basel: Recreation February (continued) 2015 (continued)

Learning to Ride a Bike run either in the morning or afternoon and cost CHF 40 per child–adult pair (CHF 50 if there is more than one child per adult). Check their website for Until kids are primary-school age, they must ride their bikes on sidewalks the various dates and locations and register early as classes fill up quickly. alongside an adult, who must ride on the road. As soon as children are old https://fahrkurse.provelo-beiderbasel.ch/b-kurs/ enough to enter school, they are allowed to ride their bikes on roads for motorized traffic. No mandatory tests are needed, but they must be aware C-Kurse: These classes teach adults and teens starting at age 12 to ride on of the rules and know the road signs. New this year, kids up to age 12 are the streets of Basel, from navigating difficult intersections to merging on allowed to ride on the sidewalk on roads where there are no bike lanes the main roads, bike paths, and low-traffic roads. There will be a daytime available; however, they must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk. C-Kurs in Basel on May 29, as well as two night-time C-Kurse on Novem- ber 3 and 11; register on their website. Practice Locations https://fahrkurse.provelo-beiderbasel.ch/c-kurs/ If you would like your school-aged child to practice cycling in a safe envi- ronment, you can take them to the Verkehrsgarten Wasgenring, located on C-Kurse for E-bikes: This is a new course to help teens (ages 14 and up) the border between Basel and Allschwil (Wasgenring 158). The Verkehrs- and adults learn safe riding at higher speeds with e-bikes. This class is garten is an outdoor park that mimics a miniature city with streets, painted given in two parts and will include both theory and a practical session, road lines, street signs, traffic lights, sidewalks, bicycle paths, a tram where course instructors take participants into a recreational area, a quiet crossing, and even a roundabout. The children can ride along and practice neighborhood, and eventually city traffic to help assess the risks and teach the different aspects of riding, including turning, stopping, hand signals, appropriately quick reactions. The classes will be held on weeknights and reading signs, and changing lanes without the dangers of actual car traffic. costs CHF 60. There is normally one session in the spring and one session The site is free to use and is open Monday to Friday from 16:00–20:00 in the autumn; you need to place yourself on a waitlist for your desired re- (Wednesday from 12:00–20:00) and on Saturday, Sunday, and school holi- gion and will then be contacted. Be sure to indicate on the registration days from 8:00–20:00. form whether you need to borrow an e-bike (free with class). www.polizei.bs.ch/praevention/verkehrspraevention/verkehrsgarten.html https://fahrkurse.provelo-beiderbasel.ch/e-bike/

Cycling Classes for Kids and Adults Bicycle Riding for Adult Beginners If you would like to register your child for a safe-cycling class, or you would Pro Velo beider Basel together with Gsünder Basel offers several courses like to learn or become more proficient riding a bike, the organization Pro for adults who have never learned to ride a bicycle. In a safe environment, Velo beider Basel offers several types of classes to choose from for begin- participants will learn the balance and coordination needed for riding and ners and intermediates. turning, as well as road safety. These classes will be taught in High Ger- man, so they are particularly suitable for foreigners. You can bring your A-Kurse: These classes are for kids ages 6 and up accompanied by an adult own bicycle and helmet, or you can borrow them on site. The classes take (without a bike). Here, kids learn about safe cycling in the Verkehrsgärten place at the Allschwiler Weiher (Allschwil) and include five weekly ses- of the Basel-Stadt police. The kids will learn basic skills, such as getting sions of 2 hours each on either a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evening on and off the bike, turning correctly, and building confidence. The 2-hour from 18:00–20:00. The total cost is CHF 65. Courses will start at the end of classes run either in the morning or afternoon and cost CHF 40 per child– April or beginning of May, but you should register now before they fill up. adult pair (CHF 50 if there is more than one child per adult). There are You can register on their website (https://www.gsuenderbasel.ch/ three classes on April 24, June 12, and August 21, but because they fill up kursangebote/schwimmen/velofahren/), click on the class you are inter- quickly you should register now on their website. ested in, and then on “Jetzt anmelden.” If you already know how to ride a https://fahrkurse.provelo-beiderbasel.ch/a-kurs/ bike but it has been a while and you would like a refresher class and learn B-Kurse: These classes are for kids ages 7 and up accompanied by an adult to ride in the streets of Basel, consider the “Velofahrkurs—Sicher auf dem (with a bike). In these classes, the kids go on actual city streets and learn Velo.” This class will only be three lessons at Allschwiler Weiher from the rules of the road, proper riding etiquette, correct turns, and how to 18:00–20:00 on Mondays or Thursdays starting on June 10 and June 14, manage roundabouts. Classes are offered weekly in Basel-Stadt or Basel- respectively, and costs CHF 39. They will provide bikes and helmets, but for land until mid-October (except during school holidays). The 3-hour classes the “Sicher auf dem Velo” class, it is better if you can bring your own bike.

20 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com DidEvents You Know…?in Basel: February 2015 (continued) New Federal Regulations for Bicycle Traffic Basel is a bicycle-friendly city all year round. However, with the coming of spring, two-wheeled traffic increases on the streets of Basel, which have just become safer for cyclists!

Basel was chosen as the city to pilot-test several new cycling concepts in urban environments in recent years. Due to their success, four new con- cepts have been accepted and are now being implemented throughout Switzerland since the beginning of this year: Cyclists can now turn right on red at certain marked traffic lights; new “staging areas” for cyclists at red lights and wider riding spaces for bicycles next to tram lines will improve safety for cyclists; and the introduction of “bicycle streets” will allow ­cyclists to get around the city quicker and safer than ever.

Turning Right on Red: During a two-year that the cities of Basel, Bern, Luzern, St. Gallen, and Zürich carried out pilot phase in Basel in 2015 and 2016, free together with the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the Accident Preven- right turns for cyclists at red traffic lights tion Center (bfu). Bicycle streets aim to bundle bicycle traffic on import- were tested at 12 traffic light locations. ant neighborhood roads in 30 km/h zones, enabling cyclists to get from A Two locations proved unsuitable, but the to B even more quickly and safely in the future. remaining 10 locations have been retained The federal government has now decided that, in exceptional cases, the to this day. Due to the successful pilot proj- normally applicable principle of “left yields to right” in 30 km/h zones can ect, the federal government has included be deviated from. This means that it will be possible to implement further the free right turn at red lights in the revi- authorized bicycle streets. An examination of the cycling routes in sion of traffic law, which took effect on 30 km/h zones in Basel found that the following eight additional bicycle January 1, 2021 (see also our February streets can be implemented in a first step: Allmendstrasse, Egli- 2021 issue in the archives at www.basellife.com). In addition to these seestrasse, Engelgasse, Maulbeerstrasse / Speerstrasse, Oberwiler- existing 10 locations, an additional 30 locations around Basel are contin- strasse / Leimenstrasse, Schaffhauserrheinweg, St. Gallerring / uously being added at intersections where no further measures are nec- ­Bernerring, and Unterer Rheinweg. The aim is to implement these one by essary. One of the new sites is even in the “Verkehrsgarten” (practice one until summer. During the pilot test, Velostrassen were indicated by a area where kids can learn cycling) so that children can also get to know large yellow bicycle pictogram painted on the street; however, these will the new signal. Other locations where additional measures such as be done-away with. Instead, Basel-Stadt will be marking the beginning marking work or adjustments to the corresponding traffic lights are nec- and end of a bicycle street with the word “Velostrasse” marked on the essary, will follow throughout the year. Intersections where cyclists can ground. On the streets intersecting with the bicycle street, large bicycle turn right on red are marked by a sign that shows a yellow bicycle with a pictograms will be used to draw attention to the increased number of yellow right arrow on a black background and is attached to the right of cyclists. Cyclists as well as car drivers have the right of way on a bicycle the red light of the light signal or to the special lights for cyclists. Import- street over the entering neighborhood streets; this will be indicated with ant: Remember that while cyclists are permitted to turn right with care the usual “Stop” or “No right of way” signs on the entering neighborhood when the light is red, thus saving potential waiting times, crossing pe- streets. destrians and traffic coming from the left always have right of way! Improved Safety for Cyclists Along Tram Lines: In Basel, there are nu- Bicycle Areas at Traffic Lights: The merous places where there is little space for cyclists between the trams so-called “Aufstellbereiche” (staging and cars parked along the side of the road, leaving cyclists in dangerous- areas) for cyclists are marked areas ly tight spots. Cyclists also have to navigate the potential for a car door (indicated by a solid yellow line and being opened as they are riding past, which may cause them to swerve the pictogram of a bicycle) where cy- and run the risk of either getting caught in the tram tracks or, worse yet, clists can line up in front of the cars colliding with a tram. Additionally, cyclists are often very closely overtak- while waiting at red traffic lights. en by passing vehicles. With the goal of making cycling as safe as possi- These areas are located directly in ble, the Office for Mobility has examined in detail all sections with limited front of the solid white stop line for cars at traffic intersections. The stag- space next to tram tracks. Guided by the safety standards for road traffic ing areas not only separate the bicycles from the cars, but also give the that apply throughout Switzerland, car drivers a better view of the cyclists, which increases their safety. An parking spaces will be eliminated added bonus to cyclists is that they are not subjected to as much car ex- in locations where the distance be- haust fumes when they can wait in front of the cars. In Basel-Stadt, tween the parking space and the around 10 intersections have been equipped with staging areas for cy- tram track is only 1 meter or less. clists in recent years (perhaps you have already noticed those in place This will affect around 180 parking near the hospitals). Additional areas will be added throughout the year, spaces in Basel. Later in 2021, including some locations where there is no bicycle lane feeding into they will examine additional criti- them. cal spots where the distance be- tween the parked cars and the Bicycle Streets: Since summer 2016, there have been two “Velostrassen” tram tracks is more than 1 meter (bicycle streets) in Basel, one on Mülhauserstrasse and one on St. Al- but still does not meet the applica- ban-Rheinweg. They were created as part of the Velostrassen pilot test ble standards. photo credits: © gabriella bolliger (learning to ride a bike); © christine pesold (new bicycle regulations) April 2021 21 DidEvents You Know…?in Basel: (continued)February 2015 (continued) Basel’s New Smart Box Workplace Rights for Online shopping has been booming in the recent years, and this has Pregnant Women or only grown exponentially in the past year due to the coronavirus Working Mothers pandemic. With this increase in The Gender Equality Depart- online shopping comes an in- ment is launching a campaign crease in urban delivery traffic. In against discrimination on the densely populated cities such as grounds of pregnancy and moth- Basel, the increasing number of erhood in the workplace. This delivery trips harbors potential for new campaign, which is associ- conflict in road traffic—the numerous delivery vehicles can lead to traffic ated with a new website (www. congestion, and incorrectly parked delivery vans hinder traffic. Further- mamaworkrights.ch), is aimed more, the increased vehicular traffic from morning until evening is caus- at making women aware of their ing unnecessary air pollution. rights in pregnancy and mother- hood. On the website, the cam- The Smart Box Basel is intended to help remedy this: As part of a pilot paign uses case studies to edu- project, the Office for Mobility, Pro Innerstadt Basel, and the Basel Re- cate women in nine languages gion Logistics Cluster are testing a new, provider-neutral parcel storage about their rights in the work- system at Claraplatz. Residents of Basel can conveniently order goods place when they are pregnant or and have the parcels delivered to the Smart Box Basel, where they can be have children. The website de- picked up around the clock. The free 24/7 pick-up concept offers more scribes the five most common flexibility for people who are often not at home to receive parcels during situations in which discrimina- normal daytime delivery hours, while ensuring fewer freight journeys on tion can take place: non-em- the roads. Once a parcel for them has been deposited in the Smart Box, ployment due to pregnancy, dis- customers will receive a notification with a QR code to scan at the booth missal during the probationary for safe and convenient retrieval of the parcel. In addition to receiving period, harassment during parcels, the Smart Box can also be used to deposit parcels for pickup; so pregnancy or while breastfeed- if you want to return a purchased item or have sold someone goods and ing, discriminatory dismissal can’t get to the post office during their regular hours, the Smart Box of- after returning from maternity fers a convenient round-the-clock solution. leave, and “revenge termina- tion” if a woman resists discrim- Parcel stations are one of the measures included in the urban freight ination. “Mamaworkrights.ch” transport concept that the Office for Mobility and the Basel Region Logis- provides step-by-step proce- tics Cluster have jointly developed. In partnership with the Swiss Post, dures that you can follow if diffi- DPD, Kurierzentrale, and Metropol, the current pilot project is intended culties arise, as well as lists the to test the acceptance of the new system by the public by analyzing how most important advice centers frequently the offer is being used and how much it can reduce the daily in the canton Basel-Stadt in the traffic volume. The first Smart Box is already in place at Claraplatz; it will field of labor law. be followed by another in St. Johann. A possible third location is still in The campaign also aims to mo- the planning stage. The Office for Mobility and Pro Innerstadt Basel are tivate pregnant women to get financing the Smart Box Basel, and the pilot project is being supported by together with their employers at Energie Schweiz. The manufacturer and operator of the new system (Hu- an early stage to plan their re- ber AG) has developed an app of the same name for using the Smart Box turn to work from maternity Basel, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play; leave. This return is a particu- check their website for more information. larly delicate phase, with around half of all discriminatory dismissals tak- www.smartboxbasel.ch ing place after maternity leave. A verbally promised reduction in workload can be withdrawn by the line manager; to avoid this, a written maternity agreement decided upon with the employer can provide clarity about when a woman comes back to her job and what her workload will be. A template for such an agreement can be downloaded from the website. The campaign also offers information about Switzerland’s Equal Opportunities Act. Little is known about this federal law, which applies to all areas of working life, including employment, further training, wages, sexual harassment in the workplace, and termination. Every canton has a corresponding arbitration board that employees can turn to if they are disadvantaged in the work- place because of their gender. The board can clarify rights and help find an agreement in the event of a conflict. The process is free, straightforward, and confidential. Pregnancy and motherhood are the most common caus- es of discrimination, with a total of four to six arbitration cases per year in Basel-Stadt. This new campaign was therefore launched to encourage pregnant women and mothers to make greater use of the possibility of an arbitration procedure under the Equal Opportunities Act. www.mamaworkrights.ch/hauptseite/?lang=en

22 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com duction can only supply half of the demand, many eggs are imported from Farm-Fresh Eggs Anyone? neighboring countries. You can therefore find a variety of eggs in Swiss supermarkets with quite a variation in price; a close look at the label will reveal that the less expensive eggs are non-free-range eggs (“Bodenhal- tung”) from EU-countries, and the most expensive ones are the organic free-range eggs (“bio-Freiland”) of Swiss origin. And when it comes to eggs, a quick taste will confirm the old saying, “you get what you pay for.” If eggs are an important part of your diet, you may want to consider egg-de- livery services like those provided by Eier Meier. This company works with 40 egg farmers to deliver farm-fresh eggs directly to private households from small farms that are too small for wholesale distribution. They cur- rently provide over 20,000 households with fresh eggs and, if you wish, oth- er fine foods and health products. The eggs are guaranteed from free- range hens fed only with vegetarian feed, inspected through high-powered lighting, regularly tested for salmonella, and delivered straight to your door (they are usually left on your post-box) within three days of the lay date. You can sign up on their website by clicking on “Hier klicken, um zum Eier-Service zu gelangen!” then on “Schweizer Eier im Abonnement.” Then you select the number of eggs and the size you want (essentially, the more you order, the lower the cost per egg) and then fill in your delivery You may have noticed that the eggs in Switzerland are quite different than address. Delivery is every two weeks and is free of charge. You can change those in your home country. If you arrived in Switzerland from North Amer- or cancel your order at any time without penalty, so if you plan to be away ica, you undoubtedly spent a considerable amount of time searching for for some time, simply go online (click on “Kundenzentrum”) or call them to eggs in the supermarket refrigerators, only to find that they are kept on a provide a delivery stop and restart date. You will receive a bill every 3–4 shelf! Once you got those room-temperature eggs home, you may have months. been struck by the deep color of the yolks, the hardness of the shells, and www.eiermeier.ch the extremely short expiration dates. Well, rest reassured that Swiss eggs are not only delicious, they are well inspected, well controlled, and safe to eat. Eggs are sold unrefrigerated in Switzerland to avoid temperature fluc- tuations. Without refrigeration, eggs with an intact shell will stay fresh for Fun Fact at least 21 days from the date of laying (printed directly on the eggshell), What determines whether which is why the sales period is limited by law to 21 days after the laying a hen lays brown or white date. Storage in the refrigerator extends the shelf life by weeks; so go eggs? It has nothing to do ahead and place them in your fridge when you get them home. with the color of the Agricultural consultants consider the Swiss egg industry the model that plumage but is rather a other countries should follow. Switzerland was the first country to ban the question of breed. In use of cages for housing egg-laying hens. More than two-thirds of egg-lay- fact, the color of a hen’s ers in Switzerland are raised free range, with the remaining 31% in non- egg is dictated by the cage barn systems. There is a limit on the number of hens that can be kept color of the featherless at any egg farm; they are fed only the highest quality feed that is free of earlobe located just be- animal proteins and anti-microbial stimulators; and the number of days hind the eye. It is also that eggs can be sold is very short post-lay, ensuring their freshness. In interesting to note that addition, Switzerland is an envied world leader when it comes to keeping residents in the French and Italian parts of Switzerland, like their away diseases such as Newcastle disease (NCD) and salmonella. As a re- neighbors in France and Italy, prefer brown eggs, while white eggs are sult, Swiss eggs are not only fresher, safer, and healthier, but as you have preferred in German-speaking Switzerland. probably already noticed, also a lot more expensive! As the Swiss egg pro-

theme of eggs, chickens, and bunnies. The most traditional approach is to Easter Celebrations in decorate either a small tree in your yard with colorful plastic eggs, or to bring some branches indoors to decorate. You can find suitable branches Switzerland (eg, corkscrew willows [“Korkenzieherweide” or “Zierweide”], corkscrew hazel [“Korkenzieherhasel” or “Corylus”], forsythia, or pussy willow The first weekend of April this [“Weidenkätzchen”]) in garden centers. It is also traditional to color and year is marked by the Easter decorate hard-boiled eggs that can be placed in nests and hidden or simply holiday. But how is this holiday placed on the breakfast or brunch table to be eaten over the next few days. celebrated in Switzerland? Coloring sets are sold in grocery stores as well as craft stores. Compared with many other countries, you get to enjoy Of course, chocolate eggs and bunnies also feature heavily in Easter cele- more work-free days as Eas- brations, as indicated by the mountains of them that you see in grocery ter is celebrated not only on stores. As in many other countries, Swiss children are told that during the the Sunday, but Good Friday night before Easter Sunday, the Easter bunny comes hopping through (“Karfreitag” in German) and yards, gardens, and even houses to hide chocolate eggs and other goodies the Monday following Easter both are also official holidays. Many people in little nests that the children then must search for in the morning. And decorate their house or yard for Easter, although usually on a smaller speaking of food—in Basel, you can find a seasonal sweet pastry with a soft scale than for Christmas. Most of these decorations revolve around the filling called an “Osterfladen” that is only sold shortly before Easter. photo credits: © canton basel-stadt (smart box); © präsidialdepartement des kantons basel-stadt (workplace rights); © pixabay (farm-fresh eggs); © susanne hiller (easter celebrations) April 2021 23 HealthEvents Matters in Basel: February 2015 (continued)

Sugar—A Bittersweet Nutrient By Emily Johnson-Haug

Sugar is one of the most con- THE ALIASES OF SUGAR troversial topics in the field of nutrition science. For many of English Terms German Terms us, sugar makes many foods more palatable. But there are • Brown sugar • Traubenzucker, Glukose, many different sugars, and all Dextrose sugars are not created equal; • Corn sweetener they can have different ef- • Haushaltzucker, Saccharose, • Corn syrup fects in the body. Thus, exces- Kristallzucker, Puderzucker, sive consumption of added or refined sugar is detrimental to your health • Fruit juice concentrate Kandiszucker, Cassonade, and is linked to many lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, depres- Rohrzucker, Rübenzucker sion, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, and more. Conversely, consumption of • High-fructose corn syrup • Fruktose, Fruchtzucker, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are all sources of carbohy- • Honey Lävulose drates and contain sugar naturally, has been shown to reduce the risk of the very same diseases. • Invert sugar • Maltose, Malzzucker, Isomaltu- lose • Malt sugar For many foods, we are well aware of their high sugar content. For exam- • Flüssigzucker ple, processed foods such as breakfast cereals, yogurts, candy, baked • Molasses goods, fruit drinks, and soft drinks all contain added sugars to increase • Honig shelf life and add flavor. But sugar is present in many more foods than • Sugar molecules ending in expected, such as condiments, soups, canned goods, breads, and even “ose”, such as dextrose, • Sirup: Fruchtsirup, Ahornsirup, meats. fructose, glucose, lactose, Zuckerrübensirup, Caramel­ maltose, and sucrose. sirup, Stärkesirup, Glukose­ Consumption of added sugar can trick the brain signals and hormones sirup, Fruktosesirup, Maissirup controlling appetite and satiety, leading to over-consumption or addic- • Fruchtsüsse tive-like behaviors toward sugar. The World Health Organization recom- mends that “free” sugar consumption (ie, not the sugars naturally con- • Invertzucker (Paste or Sirup) tained in fresh fruit or milk) should account for less than 10% of daily calorie intake. For the average adult with a calorie intake of 2,000 kcal per • Melasse day, this would correspond to approximately 50 grams of sugar (about 10 • Fruchtsäfte, Fruchtsaftkonzen- teaspoons) per day. trate, Fruchtpulver, Fruchtpulpe, Fruchtpüree, Fruchtmark Adhering to such recommendations is made more difficult by the fact that added sugars can go by many names, not all of which are obvious. The ta- • Dicksaft (Birnendicksaft, ble lists some of the aliases (both English and German) that indicate added Agavendicksaft) sugars in food labels.

24 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com How to Read Food Labels in Switzerland 100 mL of Schweppes Indian Reading food labels to understand what is in your food—for example, to Tonic contain 4.9 grams of identify added sugars, including all of their aliases—can present even sugar in the UK, compared more of a challenge when moving to another country and attempting to with 9 grams in Switzerland. read the label in a foreign language. Taking an extra few minutes in the grocery store to inspect As sugar is a component of carbohydrates, the labels typically state under food labels can help keep you the carbohydrate listing how much of that carbohydrate is sugar. Unfortu- and your family healthy! nately, the labelling laws in Switzerland do not require manufacturers to declare added sugars separately from naturally occurring sugars; howev- er, the optional term “ohne Zuckerzusatz” on the packaging indicates that no sugars were added in the production of the good. Fun Fact The image shows a typical breakfast cereal label. In this example, four of the nine ingredients represent added sugars: “Zucker,” “Gerstenmalz,” Do you know the prototypical “Melasse,” and “Honig.” (Gerstenmalz [barley malt] is not a sugar per se, Swiss drink, Ovomaltine? It is but the process of malting increases the sugar content of the grain, and also available both locally further processing into an extract makes it indeed a sugar.) In this case, and internationally and is an- the label indicates that 100 grams of cereal contain 82 grams of carbohy- other example of differences drates (excluding dietary fiber), of which 35 grams are sugars; correspond- in nutritional values between ingly, one serving of cereal (30 grams) contains 11 grams of sugar. Due to both versions—but in this the Swiss labelling laws, it is unclear what portion of these sugars are case, the sugar balance naturally occurring and how much is added sugar. However, if the entire swings the other way! 11 grams per serving are added sugars, that would represent 20% of the WHO-recommended daily sugar intake for an adult. Considering that the The Swiss version of Ovomal- typical consumers of cereal are children with a lower calorie intake, the tine has as its main ingredi- sugar content in one 30-gram serving will account for much more than ent 65% “Gerstenmalzex- 20% of the child’s WHO-recommended daily sugar intake. trakt” (barley malt extract) and no added sugar. It con- tains 74.2 grams of carbohy- drates per 100 grams of pow- der, of which 40.4 grams are sugars, and provides 372 kcal. One portion, which in Switzerland is defined as 15 g Ovomaltine + 200 mL 1.5% fat milk, contains 21.1 grams of carbohydrates, of which 16 grams are sugar, and provides 155 kcal.

Ovomaltine powder sold in Germany, however, includes only 51% bar- ley malt extract, plus white sugar and fructose as additional sugar sources. As a result, it has slightly more overall carbohydrates (78 grams per 100 grams) but significantly more sugars (51.1 grams per 100 grams). Per serving, which is defined in Germany as 20 grams Ovomaltine + 200 mL 1.5% fat milk, German Ovomaltine contains 26 grams carbohydrates, of which 20 grams are sugar, and provides 174 kcal.

So if you like Ovomaltine, you should stick with the Swiss product!

“E” Items on Food Labels In the EU and Switzerland, common food additives are denoted with an E number, whereas in other countries, the entire name of the additive must be declared. Some of the E-number additives can also represent sugars, Emily Johnson-Haug is a certified nutri- such as E150, which is caramel, or E420, which is the sugar alcohol sorbi- tional advisor and fitness trainer com- tol. mitted to coaching, educating, and sup- porting clients in achieving their health, International Differences in Sugar Content fitness, and nutrition-related goals. She Perhaps you have thought to yourself that a particular soft drink tastes uses scientifically proven methods and sweeter in Switzerland than in your home country, and you may be right! does not believe in ultra-restrictive diet Many countries around the world—including the UK and a few other Europe- practices such as cutting­ out entire food an countries—have implemented sugar taxes on soft drinks, which have led groups or following diet trends. Food is to the reduction in sugar content. The Swiss government turned down a pro- the most important factor affecting your posal for a sugar tax in 2018. The result? Many popular soft drinks have a health and wellbeing. Get in touch with higher sugar content in Switzerland than elsewhere. For example, 100 mL her today if you are ready to reshape Fanta contain 4.6 grams of sugar in the UK, compared with 10.3 grams in your habits and health! Switzerland (remember, a typical portion is between 250-330 mL). Similarly, [email protected] photo credits: © pixabay (sugar, honey, soda cans); © emily johnson-haug (label); © wander ag (ovomaltine) April 2021 25 Workshops,Events in Basel: Tours, February and Education 2015 (continued) in Basel

After-School English Story Time April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 The Basel West library invites children ages 3–8 on Thursday afternoons at 15:30 for an ONLINE story time to discover new ways to celebrate litera- ture. The events will be presented via Zoom. Go to their website, www. stadtbibliothekbasel.ch, then under “Veranstaltungen” pick the date you are interested in and fill in the registration information, including your email address. You will then receive a separate email from them with the access link for the Zoom call as well as additional information. www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch

Camps for Kids Sophie Taeuber–Arp. Living Abstraction April 7, 14, 21, and 28

The Swiss artist Sophie Taeu- ber-Arp (1889–1943) was a pi- oneer of abstraction who fused the experimentalism of the avant-garde circles in which she moved in Zürich and Paris with her technical training and experience as a teacher of ap- plied art. At the time of her death in a tragic accident in 1943, her oeuvre encom- passed textile pieces such as pillows and tablecloths, bead If you would like to keep your kids busy during the Easter school break, works, a puppet theater, costumes, murals, furniture, architecture, graph- various clubs and organizations offer a wide range of day camps for all age ic designs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and reliefs. This spring, the groups, from sports such as acrobatics, hiking, horseback riding, soccer, Kunstmuseum Basel is dedicating the comprehensive retrospective “Liv- and tennis, to creative arts such as painting, pottery, and a variety of arts ing Abstraction” to Taeuber-Arp’s oeuvre. The first exhibition to present and crafts. For parents looking to find the right camps for their kids during her work to large international audiences beyond the ­German-speaking school breaks, we have created a table with a long list of camp providers, countries, it is produced in cooperation with the Museum of Modern Art, with a description of the camps, the seasons in which the camps are nor- New York, and Tate, London. The captivating survey allows visitors to expe- mally offered, the approximate age range of the kids, the main language of rience the evolution of her work from her beginnings in applied art to the the camp, as well as their website for more information and registration. architecture-related projects of her Strasbourg years and the abstract You can find the table in the “Resources” section on our website at www. paintings of her time in Paris. It is recommended that you book your ticket basellife.com and download it. in advance to reserve your time slot, as only a certain number of people can be admitted at any time. In lieu of an official vernissage, the Kunstmuseum Guided Tour of Basel’s Townhall is offering free entrance to the exhibit on Wednesday evenings from 17:00– 20:00 through the end of April. April 3, 10, 17, and 24 https://kunstmuseumbasel.ch One of the most distinctive buildings in Basel’s center is the Rathaus (city hall) at Marktplatz, with its vibrant red color. This magnificent 16th-century building is still the seat of government for canton Basel-Stadt. Here, you can encounter a combi- nation of architecture, art, and politics. Every Saturday starting at 16:30, all are invited to a 30-minute English-language tour of the impressive rooms of the cantonal parliament and government. On this tour, participants will be given information about the canton’s political his- tory and the current situation. Cost of the tour is CHF 5; register in advance online and present yourself in the courtyard of the Rathaus prior to the tour start. Note that due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, all participants must wear a mask for the whole duration of the tour. www.basel.com/en/Media/Experiences/Guided-tour-of-the-Town- Hall

26 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Workshop—How to Build a City? taught in the class, they will be posted their own inflatable CPR manikin to their chosen address. This manikin will then be theirs to keep. Participants April 18 will also receive a paper copy of their abbreviated course booklet with the main emergency protocols, medical phrases, and emergency numbers. The long-legged bed of Winsor The training will be delivered via Zoom and participants are asked to en- McCay’s Little Nemo nimbly able their camera to allow maximum interaction and for the course trainer climbs over New York’s to assess practical exercises. There will be plenty of opportunities for high-rises. Bob Kane’s Bat- questions throughout the session. The workshop will also use other inter- man defeats criminals in front active features, including polls. If two participants in the same household of Gotham City’s grim urban who would usually have close physical/intimate contact are able to share a canyons. Tardi’s Nestor Burma manikin, then only one registration is needed. Following the course, at- chases crooks through dark tendees will receive a course certification (HealthFirst Certificate of Atten- Parisian alleyways. Upturns dance in CPR), which is valid for 2 years. The workshop will be conducted and downturns alternate in in English by the organization HealthFirst, costs CHF 140, and will be held Will Eisner’s tale of the ficti- from 9:00–13:30. Register online at www.healthfirst.ch/event/saving- tious Dropsie Avenue. Since lives-cpr-emergency-first-aid-24-april-2021-online. the end of the 19th century, cities have frequently inspired www.healthfirst.ch artists to create outstanding comics. The city’s role ranges Tour—Earth at Its Limits from that of a spectacular setting for adventure comics to that of a leading protagonist in deeper explorations of societal developments. The perspec- April 25 tives from which the city is observed are just as varied and multifaceted as the ways in which it is perceived by artists. In the current exhibit entitled “Big City Life,” the Cartoonmuseum Basel presents originals by comics artists from various eras and genres—works that are set in the city, are about the city, or take the city’s appearance as their starting point. In this accompanying workshop, participants will be equipped with all kinds of materials to become urban planners, designing their own high-rises, lay- ing out streets and squares, and building bridges. The workshop is from 14:00–16:00 and is for adults and children ages 6 and up; registration is necessary at [email protected] or 061-226-3360. https://cartoonmuseum.ch

Saving Lives: CPR & Emergency First Aid April 24 Our Earth is a very special planet because it can support life. It is simply wonderful in all its diversity, complexity, extraordinariness, and mystery. People have been living with and from nature for millennia, but now the balance has shifted, and humans and nature have fallen out of step. The special exhibition “Earth at Its Limits” at the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel highlights and illustrates major correlations, clarifies facts, and clears up misunderstandings in an easily understandable and attractive way. Numerous interactive presentation formats, audio stations, moving images, and varied staging featuring new specimens of objects, collect- ibles, models, and installation art interventions, make visiting the exhibi- tion a stimulating experience. There will be an English-language tour of the exhibit at 15:30 where experts will pick out and discuss special high- lights; the cost of the tour is included in the admission to the exhibit. www.nmbs.ch

“Saving Lives: CPR & Emergency First Aid” is a 4.5-hour ONLINE course Toddler Tales teaching basic skills to enable participants to save lives by administering April 27 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency first aid. The course is lively and packed full of information that is easy to understand and re- Toddler Tales is designed for young listeners ages 9 months to 4 years as member. Topics covered include a step-by-step approach to medical emer- they discover the wonderful world of books and the fun of language with gencies with a protocol to follow; how to call for emergency help in Swit- interactive exploration of classic stories. For the time being, Toddler Tales zerland and what to say; how to assess a person’s level of consciousness; takes place in a virtual format via Zoom call from 10:15–10:45 on every putting an unconscious baby, child, or adult into a safe position (the “recov- fourth Tuesday of the month. Go to their website, www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch, ery position”); how to give CPR to babies, children, and adults; an introduc- and under “Veranstaltungen” pick the date you are interested in and fill in tion to using an automated external defibrillator; what to do in the case of the registration information, including your email address. You will then drowning; signs and symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke and what to do; receive a separate email from them with the access link for the Zoom call and first aid for a choking baby, child, or adult. How does this special for- as well as additional information. mat work? To enable each participant to practice the first-aid techniques www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch photo credits: © ggg stadtbibliothek basel-stadt (english story time); © pixabay (camps for kids); © canton basel-stadt/michael fritschi (tour of basel's townhall); © the museum of modern April 2021 27 art, new york, the riklis collection of mccrory corporation (sophie taeuber-arp, "composition"); © stiftung arp e.v., berlin/rolandswerth, foto: alex defanne (sophie taeuber-arp, "equilibre"); © thierry van hasselt and marcel schmitz (workshop—how to build a city); © wikipedia/rama (saving lives); © kostas maros (tour—earth at its limits) Entertainment:Events in Basel: Night February on the 2015 Town (continued)

Jazzcampus—Focusyear Band 21 to bring the war hero back for the battle of Troy. To do so, he sends Neop- April 1 and 8 tolemos, the son of Achilles, with a lie. The three warriors negotiate their quagmire in the logic of violence. Müller is one of the most explicitly polit- Focusyear is a one-year ical authors of theater literature; his works are known for their lyrical den- program at the sity. His ability to narrate the contradictory sides of his characters high- Musik-Akademie Basel’s lights not only Müller’s intellectual side but also his emotional and Jazzcampus for an en- true-to-life sides. This play about the state of tragedy will be performed in semble of eight students German with English surtitles at Theater Basel. who are very talented www.theater-basel.ch jazz musicians from all over the world. The stu- dents selected for Fo- Theater—The Square cusyear receive a full April 16, 17, 24, and 25 scholarship covering tuition and the cost of living to allow them to focus exclusively on music. Over the course of this special program, the students receive coaching by acknowledged masters of the international jazz scene. They also create concert programs and record an album, which will be produced in the school’s own recording studio. In addition, the band ­performs regularly in the school’s Jazzcampus Club, as well as at other selected concerts during the year. On April 1 and 8, they will be performing concerts that will be live-streamed via their Facebook page (www.­ facebook.com/Jazzcampus.Basel/live/) or Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/ jazzcampus). To learn more about this program or to enjoy additional video clips of this year’s Focusyear Band 21, visit their website at www.­ focusyearbasel.com/en.html. If you would like to hear exciting new jazz projects in the relaxed atmosphere of the Jazzcampus Club, read about their events at www.jazzcampus.com/de/events/club.html. www.jazzcampus.com

Ballet on All Stages April 2, 9, 19, and 23 A respected curator becomes the victim of a trick theft. His smartphone and money are gone. The situation develops into an existential crisis. His Outstanding guest choreographers will be showcasing a festival of dance latest exhibition, “The Square,” also puts him in situations that cause his on all three stages of Theater Basel! To mark the 20th anniversary of his moral compass and life to spin out of control. And even art, as a safe space, company, Ballet Director Richard Wherlock invites audiences on a dance is suddenly questioned. Director Tom Kühnel returns to Basel with this journey. Split into groups, the audience moves between the Kleine Bühne work. He will be bringing the satirical and award-winning film about mor- and the Schauspielhaus before meeting for the “grand finale” by choreog- als and art to the stage for the first time. The performances will be at the rapher Hofesh Shechter on the Grosse Bühne. It is a dazzling display of Schauspielhaus in German with English surtitles. contemporary dance art performed on 3 stages, with works by 7 choreog- raphers to celebrate 20 years of Richard Wherlock in Basel. The perfor- www.theater-basel.ch mances on April 2 and 9 will be presented online. www.theater-basel.ch Theater—Moby Dick: The Solo April 17, 24, 28, and 30 ViaMozart The sailor Ismael, the only survivor of the shipwreck, tells the story of Cap- April 13 tain Ahab and his crew. After his leg was torn off by the huge white whale, Captain Ahab is obsessed with the desire for revenge and, over time, draws Founded around the turn of the millennium, the Swiss Chamber Concerts his entire crew into his obsession. On a stage full of wind and water, direc- rapidly became an essential part of the musical scene. Their programs tor Antú Romero Nunes exercises his unrestrained and playful imagination explore the vast chamber music repertoire in all its facets. Creation is also to tell this story. While this production has been performed in Hamburg one of the main preoccupations of the three artistic directors who, partic- since 2013 with a cast of eight men, Romero Nunes and co-director Jörg ularly through regular commissions to Swiss composers, have made a sig- Pohl have now rewritten it into a solo performance appropriate for the nificant contribution to broadening this repertoire. This “ViaMozart” con- ­current pandemic situation. You can experience this classic of world liter- cert will feature works by Johann Sebastian Bach, David Philip Hefti, and ature as a vibrant spectacle in German with English surtitles at the Theater Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. If this concert takes place, it will be without an Basel. audience and streamed online; check their website for details. Tickets costs CHF 35 for adults, CHF 10 for students or holders of the colourkey, www.theater-basel.ch and can be reserved online. www.swisschamberconcerts.ch Theater—Master & Margarita April 18, 21, and 22 Theater—Philoktet Did Jesus really live? Berlioz, the editor of an art journal, and Besdomny, a April 15, 18, and 22 young poet, discuss this question. A short time later, Berlioz’s head rolls This play by Heiner Müller tells the story of the meeting between three along the streets of Moscow because the devil himself became involved. He heroes of the Greek war. Philoctetes was wounded years ago and banished shows up as a professor for black magic and takes up residence in Ber- to an island, alone with only his mighty bow. Odysseus is now on a mission lioz’s apartment, wreaking havoc and turning morality, power structures,

28 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Concert—Barroso/Nisinman Duo & Peirani/Parisien Duo April 22 A fascinating combination of saxophone and bandoneon is presented on the new album “Luft—Air” by saxophonist Maja Lisac Barroso and bando- neonist Marcelo Nisinman. The “Luft” project shows the historical devel- opment of tango, from the theory of the bandoneon as an organ replace- ment in churches to today’s Tango Nuevo. Selected tangos, early music, improvised parts, and original new compositions are contrasted and com- plement each other. Barroso and Nisinmann, a Swiss woman with Slovene roots and an Argentinian living in Basel, have been playing together for eight years, first in large ensembles and for the last three years as a duo. The versatile Barroso uses saxophones of various sizes in concerts, from soprano to double bass saxophones. The bandoneonist Nisinman, an internationally renowned tango soloist and composer, captivates with his filigree playing and ironic humor in his own compositions. The specialty of this line-up is that both instruments, like the human voice, are made to vibrate and create sound through air or breath. The result is a truly special and rarely seen mix of sounds! Accordionist Vincent Peirani and saxophonist Emile Parisien together form a top-class duo! Deutschlandradio Kultur states, “It’s great how the two Frenchmen find each other musically, how they merge their timbres wonderfully, and how each of the two musicians can still set their own accents. And how with all the joy of playing there is always a lot of tension and transparency in this music.” After their joint debut album “Belle Époque,” the long-awaited successor “Abrazo” was released in autumn 2020. Come to the Martinskirche Basel at 20:00 for this incredible double concert. Tickets are CHF 28.00–86.90 and can be purchased through www.seetickets.ch. www.offbeat-concert.ch

and reality upside down. Only Margarita and her lover, the “Master,” enter Eszterházy, Haydn’s most successful opera was performed at over 30 dif- a dreamlike, almost romantic world. Experience Michail Bulgakov’s cult ferent opera houses during his lifetime. With its dramatic fire and some- novel in a hyper-realistic stage setting created by renowned stage designer times bold music, Haydn breaks through the traditional Italian aria scheme. Márton Ágh and under the direction of Martin Laberenz at the Schauspiel- His music clearly reveals the comic side of the Orlando saga and is illus- haus (German with English surtitles). trative, funny, and caricaturing. The story of the knight Orlando, who gets www.theater-basel.ch into the greatest (love) confusion on the island of the sorceress Alcina, ap- pealed to the audience in its fantasy-like colorfulness in much the same way as the legendary epic “Lord of the Rings” does today. The Kammer- Opera—Intermezzo orchester Basel (Chamber Orchestra Basel) will be performing Haydn’s April 18, 22, 25, 27, and 29 Dramma eroicomico “Orlando Paladino” in three acts in a semi-scenic form at the Martinskirche Basel at 19:00; tickets are CHF 30–90 for adults Richard Strauss’ work is a bitter-sweet opera with dialogue in a conversa- and half price for students. tional manner. No sooner has the conductor and court composer Robert Storch set off on a journey than his wife, Christine, is incensed by a letter www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch from a certain Mitzi Meier. With scene and location changes that work like a film cut, the conversation jumps back and forth between living room and inn, between sleigh ride and a group of card players. The internationally Sol Gabetta Classiques! acclaimed director Herbert Fritsch stages Strauss’ rarely performed tale April 21 of an unhappy marriage and jealousy. Soprano Rachel Harnisch and bari- As a part of the “Classiques” tone Günter Papendell play and sing their way through the roles of the series at the Landgasthof in unhappy couple. This opera with tempo, punch lines, and anarchic fun will Riehen, cellist Sol Gabetta be performed at the Theater Basel in Italian with English and German sur- and pianist Alexej Volodin titles. will be playing works by Jo- www.theater-basel.ch hannes Brahms, Benjamin Britten, and César Franck. Chamber Music There will be two perfor- mances at 17:00 and at April 20 20:00; tickets are CHF 45– Kammermusik Basel will be presenting soprano Mojca Erdmann and mez- 95 for adults and CHF 15 for zosoprano Marina Viotti alongside pianist Jan Schultsz, who will be per- students at the evening box forming songs and duets by Johannes Brahms. The concert will take place office. at the Hans Huber-Saal of the Stadtcasino Basel at 19:30; tickets are www.swissclassics.ch CHF 39.20–69.80. www.kammermusik.org Wiener Philharmoniker Zauberei und Ritterwahn April 22 April 21 The Vienna Philharmonic, under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst, will be playing Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, D 125, and Joseph Haydn took the classical symphony as well as the string quartet to Richard Strauss’ “Sinfonia domestica” op. 53 at the Stadtcasino Basel at unimagined heights. As an opera composer, however, he is almost un- 19:30; tickets are CHF 95–250. known today, although his semi-comical knight opera “Orlando Paladino” was a huge success in his time. Originally written for his employer, Prince www.konzerte-basel.ch photo credits: © courtesy of the artists (jazzcampus focusyear band 21; concert barroso/nisinman); © maurice korbel (theater—the square); © jp retel (concert peirani/parisien); April 2021 29 © julia wesely (sol gabetta) Entertainment:Events in Basel: Night February on the 2015 Town (continued) (continued)

Acoustics—Tremendous T. Collegium Musicum—Vienna.Classic April 23 April 23 Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert—three heavyweights of the Viennese classics guarantee a concert evening full of highlights. The charismatic pianist Oliver Schnyder will shine as a soloist under the direction of the young Brazilian guest conductor Eduardo Strausser. Richard Wagner called Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” the “mother of all operas;” its dramatically agitated overture in “de- monic D minor” gives a premonition of what is to come. “I never thought of writing for the reputation and the honor: What I have in my heart has to come out, and that’s why I write”—no other of Beethoven’s exclamations can better illustrate the composer’s inner creative urge. And it is this musical determina- tion that runs through his Piano Concerto No. 3 like a common thread. For Schubert, the “Little C major” is a big step on the way to his own symphonic language. The Collegium Musicum Basel will be presenting “Wien.Klassik” at the Stadtcasino Basel at 19:30; tickets are CHF 50.40–85.90. http://collegiummusicumbasel.ch

Klanglichter 2021: Belcanto April 24 The theme of this year’s concert series “Klanglichter” is bridges—the concerts are meant to build musical bridges between artists and audience. Additionally, music builds bridges between people who speak the same emotional language, even if they come from different cultures and situations. In this series of four concerts, first-class artists provide a special atmosphere, play- ing selected pieces of music by well-known composers. At this concert on April 24, flutist Luisa Sello and pianist Paola De Piante Vicin will be playing a concert entitled “Belcanto” at the Obere Fabrik in Sissach at 16:30 and again at 19:30; tickets are CHF 38 for adults and CHF 23 for students.

Tremendous T. has been on stage since 1980 and is currently known as www.klanglichter.ch singer and guitarist of The Psychonauts and the Bikini Girls. He regularly does solo shows—just him and his acoustic guitar—with his very own Concert—End and Beginning “trash country ‘n’ rockabilly” sound, an explosive mix of 40s’ country, 50s’ April 24 and 25 rockabilly and 60s’ garage trash. His live show with original compositions and cover versions of rockabilly classics makes every hall shake. Be sure to Without a pulse there is no rhythm, no music, no life. Starting with Franz catch Tremendous T. at the Atlantis in Basel starting at 21:00; entrance is Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” and its characteristic and omnipresent free but there will be a collection. The Atlantis is using the “mindful” app to rhythm, a concert program unfolds where the drummer, composer, and collect all contact details. Please download it before your visit at https:// sound inventor Fritz Hauser will make the concert venue resonate in a spe- mindfulapp.io/#download. cial way, with his own new work as the center, forming a bridge to Guillaume de Machaut’s rondeau “Ma fin est mon commencement” (My end is my be- www.atlantis-basel.ch ginning). De Machaut was an avant-gardist in the 14th century, a rebel of his time. His work was greatly influenced by the advancement of rhythmics: A new, differentiated notation system made it possible for the first time to Songwriter Slam clearly notate a wide range of rhythms. The new style was a thorn in the side of Pope John XXII, who demanded the restoration of the old practice under April 22 threat of church punishment. But de Machaut was not deterred; for him, Every couple of months, Parterre One hosts “Songwriter Slam,” a song music was not only a traditional science, but also a tonal and sensual event contest where the atmosphere is a mix between magic, surprise, and an- that had a great effect on the listener as well as the musician. “Ma fin est ticipation. On these evenings, four to six singer-songwriters play for the mon commencement” is an expression of an attitude towards life in the favor of the audience, who after each round express their appreciation for awareness of inevitable death. At the same time, de Machaut performed a the songs—it is always relaxed, happy, and subjective. There are three sophisticated intellectual game—the text reflects the rondeau form but is main rules: The songs must be your original compositions (no covers), the also an instruction for the execution of the piece, which turns out to be a time limit per song is 4 minutes, and the order of the performances is double-mirrored canon. The Neues Orchester Basel will be presenting high- drawn. If you have talent or a song that you would like to present, why not lights of these works in the concerts, with Hauser mediating a stimulating give it a try? The event starts at 19:30 and entrance costs CHF 15 in ad- dialog between Schubert and de Machaut. The concert on Saturday will take vance, CHF 18 at the door, or CHF 20 Corona Solidarity price. All are wel- place at 20:15 at the Katholische Kirche in Reinach, and the Sunday concert come to join the fun as a singer-songwriter or as a member of the audi- will be held at 17:00 at the Martinskirche Basel; tickets are CHF 36–55, ence. CHF 20 for students up to age 25, and free for youths under age 18. www.parterre-one.ch www.neuesorchesterbasel.ch

30 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Beethoven 5 April 26 Ludwig van Beethoven is a giant among classical composers. The Russian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra from St. Petersburg, under the direction of Juri Gilbo, will be playing two of the most important works in music his- tory—his Symphony No. 5, with the most famous motif of all musical works ever written, ta ta ta taaaa..., and, together with New York-based pianist Dmitri Levkovich, his Piano Concerto No. 5. The concert will be taking place at the Stadtcasino Basel at 20:00; tickets are CHF 56.50–116.90. www.stadtcasino-basel.chv

Theater—Odyssee International UNESCO Jazz Day April 25 April 30

Odysseus is dead. His sons finally meet for The UNESCO Jazz Day 2021—a special day featuring Swiss jazz musi- the first time at his coffin. The two mod- cians—will be held at Kaserne Basel this year. Tian Long Li will fascinate ern-day young men struggle to come to with his virtuosity when he presents his own songs in an animated inter- terms with the absence of the dominant play with his quintet at 20:00. Starting at 22:00, you can listen to the Focus- father figure. With magic, music, and nu- year Band 20, and their special guest. For the third time, the Focusyear merous allusions, director Antú Romero project is placing Basel on the world’s cultural map by bringing in seven or Nunes tells an ancient tale from a com- eight musicians who are rigorously selected through applications and au- pletely new perspective. This “Odyssey” ditions and work together with exceptional personalities. has travelled far and wide: from Hamburg and the Berliner Theatertreffen to www.offbeat-concert.ch South America and China, and now finally to Basel. The “Odyssee” based on Homer will be performed at Theater Basel; tickets are CHF 30–65. Classiques!—À la Mémoire d’un Grand Artiste www.theater-basel.ch April 30 Open Mic As a part of the “Classiques” series at the Landgasthof in Riehen, the Trio Machia- April 28 velli, with pianist Claire Huangci, violinist Do you consider yourself a singer-songwriter? Would you like to play your Solenne Païdassi, and cellist Tristan Cor- first gig on a real stage? Or would you like to consolidate and expand your nut, will be playing works by Felix Men- stage experience? If so, the Open Mic at Parterre One is exactly the right delssohn Bartholdy and Pyotr Ilyich place for you! They offer you the opportunity to take yourself, your talent, Tchaikovsky. There will be two perfor- and your songs directly from your living room to the Parterre One stage mances at 17:00 and at 20:00; tickets are and present them to a welcoming and open audience. Legion Seven mod- CHF 45–95 for adults and CHF 15 for stu- erates the evening with lots of charm, musical know-how, and great empa- dents at the evening box office. thy. Just sign up today—the audience is looking forward to you and your www.swissclassics.ch songs! Write an email to [email protected]. Open Mic is real and easy and always an adventure, so why not join the fun, starting at 20:00. There is no entrance fee, but there will be a collection to cover the costs of hosting the event. www.parterre-one.ch Mark Your Calendar! May 2021 Highlights Red Hot Serenaders April 29 Dance Festival May 6–9 The Red Hot Serenaders are both sweet and hot: Rainer Wöffler and Tanja European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel May 12–15 Wirz serve high-proof blues, steaming jazz, bitter chansons, melting Ha- waiian music, and hot ragtime. These musical delicacies, mainly from the Baselstädtisches Schwingfest May 13 1920s and 1930s, are prepared on a wide range of instruments. Whether Young Stage International Circus Festival May 14–18 guitar, ukulele, mandolin, bottleneck, washboard, cajon, or clarinet—these two enthusiastic musicians play it all in style and unplugged, but with tons International Museums Day May 16 of groove, two-part singing, a pinch of mushiness, a wink, and a dash of frim fram sauce. Enjoy! Come to the Atlantis Basel for a night of vintage Wildwuchs Festival May 27 – June 6 blues and swing starting at 21:00 (doors open at 20:00). The Atlantis is using the “mindful” app to collect all contact details. Please download it Streetfood Festival May 28–30 before your visit at https://mindfulapp.io/#download. Cavalluna Horse Show May 29 and 30 www.atlantis-basel.ch photo credits: © courtesy of the artist (tremendous t.); © luca d'agostino (klanglichter 2021); © ingo hoehn (odyssee); © dmitri levkovich (beethoven 5); © hitomi image (classiques!) April 2021 31 Contact us for more information about subscribing or advertising:

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Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! Who Where When Tickets Pink Floyd: Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets KKL, Luzern May 24 www.ticketcorner.ch Pentatonix Samsung Hall, Zürich May 27 www.ticketcorner.ch Cavalluna—Legend of the Desert St. Jakobshalle, Basel May 29 & 30 www.ticketcorner.ch Iron Maiden St.Jakobshalle Basel June 5 www.ticketcorner.ch Summer Stage Basel—Bonnie Tyler & more Park im Grünen, Münchenstein June 25–26 www.actnews.ch Kiss—End of the Road Tour Hallenstadion, Zürich June 30 www.ticketcorner.ch Alan Parsons Live Project Augusta Raurica, Augst July 1 www.ticketcorner.ch Alicia Keys: ALICIA the World Tour Hallenstadion, Zürich July 13 www.ticketcorner.ch Melissa Etheridge Z7 Summer Nights, Pratteln July 14 www.z-7.ch Toto Z7 Summer Nights, Pratteln July 19 www.ticketcorner.ch America—50th Anniversary Tour Z7 Summer Nights, Pratteln July 24 www.z-7.ch James Arthur Heitere Open Air, Zofingen August 8 www.ticketcorner.ch Groove Now Blues Festival Atlantis, Basel September 2–30 www.starticket.ch Hurts Halle 622, Zürich September 19 www.ticketcorner.ch Night of the Jumps St. Jakobshalle, Basel September 25 www.ticketcorner.ch 77 Bombay Street Volkshaus, Basel October 1 www.ticketcorner.ch Elton John Hallenstadion, Zürich October 5 & 6 www.ticketcorner.ch James Blunt Hallenstadion, Zürich October 12 www.ticketcorner.ch Sting—My Songs Tour 2021 Hallenstadion, Zürich October 15 www.ticketcorner.ch Deep Purple Hallenstadion, Zürich October 21 www.ticketcorner.ch One Republic Hallenstadion, Zürich October 29 www.ticketcorner.ch Flashdance—Das Musical St.Jakobshalle, Basel November 27 www.ticketcorner.ch Blues Festival Basel Volkshaus, Basel December 18–22 www.bluesbasel.ch