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Volume 4 Issue 4 CHF 5 5

A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel December 2015 / January 2016

       LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, During the Christmas season, the city of Basel is more enchanting than ever with the glow of the lights and decorations, the smell of mulled wine December 2015 / January 2016 Volume 4 Issue 4 in the air, and the crowds of people busily moving about the city and enjoy- ing the festive atmosphere. There will be three Christmas markets this TABLE OF CONTENTS year in the Basel area—at Barfüsserplatz; at Münsterplatz; and, for the first time this year, at Rheingasse on the Kleinbasel side of the Mittlere Events in Basel: December 2015 / January 2016 4–9 Brücke. Check out our Christmas Market Special to learn about these and other markets in the area, including neighboring France and Germany. Fun Outings: Beyond Basel 10–11 Numerous other holiday events taking place in December also will surely put you in a festive spirit, including Christmas concerts—gospel, choir, and caroling—the Christmas tram and ferry, Christmas circuses, Christ- Markets and Fairs: Christmas Market Special 12–13 mas tours, a daily musical Advent calendar, the English-language Panto production, the “Nutcracker” ballet, Holiday on Ice, and several special Did you know? 14–15 museum's exhibits. To welcome the New Year in Basel, you can attend one of the many New Year’s Eve concerts and events and count down to mid- night with fellow Baslers on the Münsterplatz, followed by a spectacular Christmas Traditions: Glühwein 16 fireworks display over the Rhein. After the rush of the holidays, January is filled with tradition, starting with Calendar: December 2015 / January 2016 17–20 Three Kings Day on the 6th and ending with the odd spectacle of the Vogel Gryff ceremonies on the 27th. Other great activities in January include a Sports and Recreation 22–23 visit to a floating children's library, the nocturnal exploration of Basel’s wonderful museums during Museum’s Night, a world-class international horse show, and the death-defying motocross bike show, Night of the Jumps. Workshops, Tours, and Education 24–27 If you want to enjoy some outdoor winter fun, you can hike, snowshoe, or ski one of the trails of the annual Snow-Up in canton Jura or take a stroll Entertainment: Night on the Town 28–35 through the town of Kandersteg for a magical trip back in time during their unique Belle Époque week. Additionally, there is a multitude of ski and snowboard day excursions as well as week-long camps for the kids. In this Mark Your Calendar: February 2016 back page issue you will also learn about extended Christmas shopping hours, postal deadlines for your holiday mail, and what to do with all of your holiday wine corks. As always, the entertainment section is bursting with ideas for a Basel Life Magazine Staff: night out, from dance parties, tastings, musicals, opera, and ballet to Editor-in-Chief: concerts in all musical genres, English comedy, and an English-language Christine Pesold production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Betriebswirtschaftliches Advertising & Subscription Manager / Editor: Despite the rush of the holiday season, we hope that you can take some time to enjoy some of the magnificent events that Basel has to offer. Your Institut & Seminar Basel AG Susanne Hiller Basel Life Magazine team wishes you great holidays, safe travels, and all Design & Print: the best for 2016! Schwabe AG For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us:   info basellife.com www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine Christine Pesold Editor-in-Chief Distance learning courses in. www.basellife.com [email protected]

COVER: During the Christmas season,    BUSINE SS the streets of Basel display hundreds        of decorated and illuminated Christ-    mas trees. One of the largest and           ADMINISTRATION      most elaborately decked out of these      is located on Münsterplatz. It is deco- The first three readers who send us an         rated by Basel native Johann Wanner, Duration: 9 to 12 months. e-mail to [email protected] with the      who is considered a leading expert on blown glass Christmas ornaments and subject line “prozentbuch” will receive        decorations. He has provided Christmas decorations to the White House in Wash- a free copy of the new “prozentbuch Basel”       ington, various noble families, and even the Vatican. His “Christmas House” store with coupons for restaurants, night life,e, at Spalenberg attracts both tourists and locals year-round with new and vintage     and entertainment. Find out more about the ornaments, and during the holiday season, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee or       “prozentbuch” on page 15. tea in their Christmas café at Schneidergasse.   

  BASEL LIFE MAGAZINE / BASEL FAMILY GmbH © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to our readers.      Wartenbergstrasse 9, 4052 Basel 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- Phone 061261 2000, [email protected] 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 www.business-education.ch 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: info basellife.com.

photo credit: © john varaklis (cover); © johann wanner December 2015 / January 2016 3 Events in Basel: December 2015 / January 2016

Five Centuries of Cooking History Children’s Theater—Mary Poppins Nativity Set Exhibition Until February 14 Until February 3 December 1–6 Swiss-born Anton Mosimann is one of the best cooks in the world. His guests include crowned The classic story of Mary Poppins, nanny to the Banks family in London The Heilsarmee (Salvation Army), located at Erasmusplatz 14 in Basel, heads, politicians, presidents, and celebrities from all over the world. He has cooked for five and their two children, Jane and Michael, comes to life on the stage of will display over 200 nativity sets from all around the world. They can British Prime Ministers, from Thatcher to Cameron, and for four generations of British roy- the Theater Arlecchino in Basel (Walkeweg 122) every Wednesday, Sat- be admired in the Saal der Heilsarmee Basel 1 from 14:00–18:00 on alty, including the wedding banquet for Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. urday, and Sunday at 14:30 (doors open at 14:00) until early February. Tuesday to Friday, and from 12:00–16:00 on Saturday. Little known about this master chef is that he possesses a unique cookbook library. The The production is ideal for families with children ages 4 and up and is www.heilsarmee-basel1.ch more than 6,000 items in his collection allow us to learn a great deal about culinary history played and sung in Swiss dialect. Tickets can be purchased directly over the last five centuries. The collection includes two editions from the 1500s of the first online and are CHF 15 for children and CHF 20 for adults; CHF 5 reduc- Literary and Musical Advent Calendar at the Theater Basel printed gastronomic text, which was written by the Vatican librarian, Platina, as well as a tion per person with the Familienpass. work on the preparation of jam by the astrologist and physician, Nostradamus. December 1–23 www.theater-arlecchino.ch Just in time to put you in the Christmas cooking and baking mood, the Spielzeug Welten The Theater Basel is presenting a special advent calendar daily at 17:00 in the entrance foyer, except for December 4, when it will be held on Museum, located near the Christmas market in Barfüsserplatz, will be holding a special Silber & Gold exhibit of 120 objects from Mosimann’s collection, many of Theaterplatz (weather permitting). Members of the Theater Basel Until April 3, 2016 which will be on display to the public for the first time. HisHis-- (choir, ballet troupe, musical, and theater ensemble) as well as guests toric and royal menu cards, such as the menu for King GeorGeorgege For many centuries, Basel was a major center of excel- will present stories, poems, or songs—sometimes classically Christ- V’s coronation in 1911, and contemporary Christmas greetingeeting lence in the field of goldsmithing. With its selection of mas and sometimes quite different and even comical. Each presenta- cards from Mosimann’s club in London make this a highl highlyy more than 300 pieces, this exhibit at the Museum tion will last about 30 minutes; entrance is free. interesting exhibition. In addition, 25 children’s cookbooks für Wohnkultur (Museum of Home Décor) presents www.theater-basel.ch will be exhibited, as well as small, sumptuous, and sensu-- the many different types of works that goldsmiths ous sculptures and painted plates by Swiss artist Kathryn produced, from medieval liturgical plates to Visit the Towers of the Basler Münster secular showpieces and silver tableware for Zellweger-Staehelin. December 1–23 www.spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch use in private households. Among the high- lights is tableware from the 17th and 18th The towers of the Basler Münster offer breathtaking views of the city of century, for which the Haus zum Kirschgarten Basel, as well as neighboring France and Germany. You can climb the (Elisabethenstrasse 27), one of the grandest mansions in 250 steps to the top of the towers any time of the year for a cost of Basel, provides an ideal setting. CHF 5 per person (minimum 2 people at a time). Entrance to the towers Winter Circus Basler Wunschbuch (Basel’s Book of Wishes) closes 30 minutes before the cathedral closes. The view from the tow- www.hmb.ch ers can be especially beautiful during the Christmas season, when the Until December 20 Until January 6 city sparkles with holiday illuminations. During the four weeks leading Circus Go is presenting its Christmas circus entitled “Circus für alle This is a public book for wishes located in the front courtyard of the city Donkey Carts & Oranges—Sicilian Folk Culture up to Christmas, the towers can be visited until 18:00, and the stairs Sinne” (Circus for all the senses). They will be pitching their tent in Aesch hall at Marktplatz. Everyone is invited to come and write their thoughts; Until July 10, 2016 leading up to the top are lit from 16:00–18:00. at Parkplatz Löhrenacker for traditional circus acrobatics, juggling, what they are thankful for; lists to Santa Claus; or wishes for peace, www.muensterbasel.ch and clown acts, all with a fairytale theme. Tickets are CHF 30–65 for love, and health. It is also great fun to read what other people are wish- The Christmas exhibit at the Museum der Kulturen Basel (Museum of adults and CHF 20–45 for kids ages 2–12; they can be purchased online ing for! This great Basel initiative, which started in 1994, has since been Culture) this year displays an extraordinary collection of Sicilian folk Christmas Caroling through www.starticket.ch or in person at post offices, Manor, SBB, introduced into other Swiss cites, including Interlaken, Riehen, Zermatt, culture to highlight how symbols of regional identity are created, rein- and Coop. Check their website for dates and times; there are afternoon and Zürich. After January 6, the books are kept in the Basel archives for forced, and conveyed. Sicily is distinct, especially with respect to its December 2, 9, and 12 and evening presentations; you can also enjoy dinner or brunch during years to come—a sort of modern-day wish time capsule. culture. Among the Sicilian landscape’s typical features are the exten- If singing in a large group of people helps put you in a festive mood, you the show. For more information, go to their website. sive orange and mandarin groves. The fruits’ provenance is often re- are invited to any of three public caroling events. On December 2 and 9, www.wunschbuch.ch vealed by the wrapping paper they come in, www.circus-go.ch everyone is invited from 18:45–19:15 to come to the Basler Münster which usually features a colorful picture and sing along with the Basler Münsterkantorei choir (www.muenster- next to the producer and the brand name. kantorei.ch). On December 12, people will gather in front of the Münster Christmas Park at St. Claraspital Christmas Ferry The Sicilian “orange papers” serve as gates at the Münsterplatz from 17:15–18:00 to sing Christmas songs ambassadors of the respective region of Until December 23 Until January 6 with the Liedertafel men’s choir. Everyone will be given pages contain- origin and, together with the donkey carts ing the words to the songs so that they can participate. A brass en- The Klingental ferry near Kaserne will be transformed into a Christ- Stephan Primus designed this enchanting Christmas park that is open daily from 10:00–20:00. All are welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere to transport the fruits, they provide an ideal semble will accompany the singing. mas ferry during the festive season. You can enjoy a ride across the starting point for a fascinating journey through river on this magical ferry, which can also be booked for private apéro with all their senses. Claraspital is located at Kleinriehenstrasse 30 in www.liedertafelbasel.ch Basel and can be reached by trams 2 or 6 (“Hirzbrunnen” stop). Sicilian folk culture. The exhibit includes large or fondue events. and small ceramics (including nativity sets), “opera dei pupi“ (mario- www.weihnachtsfaehre.ch nettes), and brightly colored donkey carts, which one actually no longer Santas on Motorbikes December 5 Children’s Theater—Mother Hulda finds in the streets but instead in all shapes and sizes as motifs on a large range of products. A group of about 50 Santa Regionale 16 Until January 10 www.mbk.ch Clauses will gather at the Until January 3 The Basler Kinder Theater is Messeplatz at 16:00, where Sixteen institutions in the 3-country region will present contemporary presenting its new production, spectators can admire their Tallies, Pots, and Costumes art by almost 600 local artists, reflecting the diversitysity of creative ex- the Brothers Grimm’s classic festively decorated Harley- pression. The 19 locations are scattered around variri-- fairytale “Frau Holle” (Mother Until July 19, 2016 Davidson motorbikes. Short- ous cities, including Basel, Muttenz, Riehen, Liestal, Hulda) every Wednesday, Sat- The Museum der Kulturen has been systematically collecting and doc- ly before 17:00, the Santas Weil am Rhein (DE), Hegenheim (FR), Mulhouse (FR), urday, and Sunday, except dur- umenting peasant artifacts from all parts of Europe since 1904. In an will depart from Messeplatz Strassbourg (FR), and Freiburg (DE). The commis-- ing the Christmas week. This e xhibition entitled “Tessel, Topf und Tracht“ (Tallies, Pots, and Costumes) and ride their Harleys sioners of each institution will select the artists and version is in Basel dialect and the museum now presents a rich array of European folk culture, focus- through the city, ending at artworks from the dossiers submitted. In addition to is suitable for kids ages 4 and ing not only on the artifacts but also on the people who helped to build Marktplatz, where they will distribute little goodie bags to children in painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and up. Tickets are CHF 15 for kids up the collections over the past century. In addition to a national com- exchange for a verse. Parents can purchase Glühwein (mulled wine) video, the Regionale is also open to digital works on ages 4–16, CHF 20 for adults, parison, the objects will also give testament to the creativity of our fore- and Grättimänner (person-shaped pastries from sweet dough); all pro- the computer or the internet, as well as to perfor-or- or CHF 10 and CHF 15 with the bears, everyday culture, work, beliefs, the old way of life, and moments ceeds go to Theodora, an organization of clowns that bring laughter to mance art. Familienpass. of joy as well as grief. children at the Kinderspital (children’s hospital). www.regionale.org www.baslerkindertheater.ch www.mkb.ch www.hognws.ch/nigginaeggievent

4 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © christoph markwalder, © kathryn zellweger-staehelin, © fernando patallo © historisches museum basel, peter portner (springender hirsch), © museum der kulturen basel, © harley owners group northwest switzerland December 2015 / January 2016 5 Events in Basel: December 2015 / January 2016 (continued)

Basler Mineralientage (Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils Days) Niggi Näggi at the Tierpark “Messiah” Sing-Along Concert December 5 and 6 December 6 December 12 The 46th Internationale Samichlaus (St. Nikolaus), his helper Schmutzli, and their donkey will The La Cetra Baroque Orchestra and La Cetra vocal ensemble together Basler Mineralientage are be on site to greet kids at 15:00 in the Erlebnishof at Lange Erlen. Good with soloists are the foundation of this performance of Händel’s “Mes- all about minerals, fossils, little boys and girls are invited to recite a verse or poem to Samichlaus siah.” You are welcome to sing along to a selection of songs or just lis- jewelry, accessories, and re- in exchange for a small goodie bag. There will also be hot chocolate and ten and enjoy this musical feast. The concert will take place at the lated equipment. The event Grättimänner (while supplies last). The Erlen-Kids will be holding their Stadtcasino Basel at 17:00. Tickets are CHF 31–66.70 for adults, is aimed at collectors, trad- own stand offering crêpes, mulled wine, tea, and coffee, starting at 13:00. CHF 12.70–24.90 for students, and CHF 5.30 for children up to age 14; ers, as well as the simply www.erlen-verein.ch they can be purchased online or at Bider & Tanner. curious. It will be held at www.lacetra.ch, www.musikwyler.ch Halle 2.0 of the Messe Ba- sel and is open on Saturday Ferryboat Ride with St. Nikolaus from 10:00–18:00 and on December 6 The Peace Light of Bethlehem Comes to Basel "Triptych" at the Basler Marionetten Theater Sunday from 10:00–17:00. Entrance costs CHF 10 for adults, CHF 5 for Children are invited to take a ferryboat ride across the Rhein with December 13 December 18–23 those ages 10–18, and free for kids under 10; two-day tickets are St. Nikolaus at the rudder! On this day, St. Nick will be busy playing the The Peace Light of Bethlehem reaches Switzerland before Christmas The Basler Marionetten Theater, in the old-fashioned tradition of CHF 15. saxophone, baking, and telling stories, with his little helper Schmutzli and arrives in Basel on Sunday, December 13. The Peace Light will be large-figure marionette theater, will be presenting the Christmas giving him a hand. Visitors are welcome to the banks of the Rhein near www.basler-mineralientage.ch placed in front of the door of the Münster from 17:00–18:00, where the tale of a double triptych: This is the story of three people and three the St. Alban ferry from 11:00–13:00 to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and public is invited to light their own candles from it. Listen to a speech by Christmases—each having experienced Christmas in a special way. a river crossing. Entrance is free, but donations are accepted. This church representatives followed by a gospel choir. And although they decide together to collect a little money as the Wiehnachts-Drämmli (Christmas Tram) event is organized by Gare des Enfants. “Three Kings,” they must in the end each go their own way. Located December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 www.garedunord.ch Tuba Christmas near the Christmas market at Münsterplatz, the show is in dialect Every year, the Basel public transport system (BVB) sponsors a Christ- December 13 and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Tickets are CHF 39.20, CHF 35.10 mas tram just for kids. One of the old trams is decked out with Christ- Christmas Concert for kids and students, and can be purchased directly at the theater, mas decorations and driven by Santa himself! The tram rides around On this day, over 90 brass musicians from all over Switzerland will December 6 at Bider & Tanner in person, or from their online ticket shop at Basel for 90 minutes while Santa and his “angels” tell Christmas sto- come into the city and add to the Christmas spirit by playing Christmas www. biderundtanner.ch. ries (in German). The kids can also recite Christmas verses to Santa The soloists of this Christmas concert are members of OperAvenir, the music outdoors at Münsterplatz at 15:30 and Marktplatz at 16:00. www.bmtheater.ch and all are given a treat. The kids must be mature enough to travel opera studio of the Theater Basel. OperAvenir gives young qualified Donations are accepted, and all money raised will be given to the Krebs- without a parent (no adults allowed) and must remain on the tram for singers further education with the goal of promoting these young tal- liga Beider Basel (Basel Cancer Society). the entire ride. While this event is well supervised and there is no pub- ents. The performance will include numerous arias and a collection of www.klbb.ch lished age limit, be sure that the event is age-appropriate for your child. Christmas songs. The concert begins at 11:00 in the Musiksaal of the The rides are free of charge, but are on a first-come-first-served basis. Stadtcasino Basel. Ticket prices start at CHF 40 (50% discount for stu- New Year’s Eve Concert The tram leaves from the water fountain near Schifflände at 14:00 and dents) and can be purchased online or at Bider & Tanner. Punkt 12—Open Orchestra Rehearsal December 31 15:30 on those days. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en December 15 This traditional New Year’s Eve concert will be performed by the Basler www.tramoldtimer-basel.ch/weihnachtstram2.html If you would like to listen to the Sinfonieorchester Basel rehearse over Festival Orchestra at the Stadtcasino in Barfüsserplatz at 19:00. Puss in Boots your lunch hour, then this program is for you. At twelve on the dot, music- lovers can spend half an hour in the Sinfonieorchester Basel’s rehears- www.stadtcasino.ch December 6 – January 24 al workshop. The orchestra will be rehearsing with its appointed Musi- At first glance, the situation appears grim—the king does not have cal Director Ivor Bolton for the symphony concert “Création” the following New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks enough gold or partridges to his liking, the princess is bored to death, day. The event is free and no ticket or pre-registration is necessary; and the servants no longer know about hard work and can only dream. simply come to the Musiksaal at the Stadtcasino Basel and listen in. December 31 The musician doesn’t want to hear it anymore and the poor miller’s son www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/konzerte/punkt-12 Tradition here in Basel is to welcome the New Year on the Münster- Hans longs for a different life than that of his parents. But Hans has a platz, where the city’s brass and choir ensemble will play starting at wise and cunning cat that, armed with nothing more than a pair of 23:30 and count down to midnight. This is followed by a brief service at the boots, forges a new fortune. The Theater Basel in collaboration with Concert—The Crooked Christmas Tree Münster and a big fireworks display over the Rhein that starts at 0:30. Vorstadt Theater bring the story of this most famous cat in the world to December 19 www.basel.ch the stage of the Schauspielhaus (Steinentorstrasse 7, Basel). Tickets range from CHF 10–46 and can be purchased online or reserved by The Christmas stories with the double-bass-playing Santa Claus by now phone (061-295-1133) or by email at [email protected]. have become a staple of the Sinfonieorchester Basel’s seasonal pro- New Year’s Day Concert gram. This year, the program revolves around Trudi Gerster’s classic www.vorstadt-theater.ch January 1 Holiday on Ice—Passion tale of "Der krumme Tannenbaum" (The crooked Christmas tree). The program features the children of the Insel primary school’s string class. Leave the hangover behind and enjoy a New Year’s Concert of lively December 10–13 One Million Stars Members of the Sinfonieorchester Basel act as mentors to the children, rhythms and catchy tunes from musicals and operettas with Theater The new “Passion” show will take you on a journey that every skater December 12 helping them to rehearse the pieces they play. The concert begins at 14:30 Basel’s new music director Erik Nielsen and the Sinfonieorchester knows, from the passion for skating to the beauty, ambition, and Basel. “Wishes for the New Year” is the theme of the program filled In cities all over Switzerland, the in the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel. Admission is free of charge. glamorous elements that skaters experience. The show follows the with amusing lyrics and well-known hits, starting at 17:00. Tickets are charitable organization Caritas is www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en true-life stories of the cast members, culminating in an explosive CHF 45–102 for adults and CHF 25–53 for kids and students. organizing a candle-lighting cere- representation of Generation Now. This is the show that truly pulls m ony called “Eine Million Sterne.” www.theater-basel.ch back the backstage curtain and lets you see behind the scenes to Münster Christmas Choir Concert In Basel, this will take place at infuse your own energy into the skaters’ lives. With a strong emo- Marktplatz, starting at 16:00. December 19 and 20 tional pull, this show sets the bar higher than ever. Evening shows Schachfestival (Chess Festival) Thousands of candles will be lit, The Basler Münsterkantorei (Basel Cathedral Choir) will be joining start at 19:30, but there will also be matinée performances on Sat- and donations to help any of Cari- Juventus Musica Basel for a Christmas choir concert at the Münster on January 1–5 urday and Sunday. The event will take place at the St. Jakobshalle in tas’ several causes will be accepted (voluntary). This is a beautiful sight Saturday at 19:30 and Sunday at 18:00. They will be performing Hans This chess festival offers quick chess tournaments for juniors with two Basel; tickets are CHF 36.10–96.90. Note that children must be over to see, especially as night sets in! You are also invited to visit their web- Pfitzner’s Overture to “The Little Christmas Elf,” Felix Mendelssohn’s different age categories—U16 and U12. It will take place at the Hotel 6 years of age and accompanied by a parent. site and find out how you can start your own illumination in your area— “Hear My Prayer,” and Josef Gabriel Rheinberger’s “The Star of Beth- Landgasthof in Riehen and costs CHF 10; no tournament experience www.actnews.ch it is a beautiful holiday tradition that is all in the spirit of giving. lehem.” Entrance is free, but there will be a collection. necessary. Contact Bruno Zanetti at 079-783-8070. www.einemillionsterne.ch www.baslermuenster.ch www.schachfestivalbasel.ch

6 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © katrina sturmhoefel, © holiday on ice productions, © caritas, © basler marionettentheater December 2015 / January 2016 7 Events in Basel: December 2015 / January 2016 (continued)

Museumsnacht Basel CSI Basel Family Concert January 22 January 7–10 January 30 and 31 For the 16th year, you can go on a nocturnal expedition and discover 40 museums and other cultural institutions during the Basel Museums’ Night. This Grand Prix horse-jumping championship at St. Jakobshalle will “‘Was klingt da so schön?’, fragte der Maulwurf” ("What is this nice The participating institutions have planned some 200 special events for young and old, including numerous events especially for families. You can host the best horses and riders of the world, including Olympic com- sound?" asked the mole) is the second of three family concerts offered enjoy exciting discoveries, delectable moments, and interesting and unusual encounters around the various exhibits and collections. For the full petitors as well as world, European, and Swiss champions. There is a by the Music Academy Basel this season. Curious children and their program with all events and times, check their website; activities for children and families are marked with a special icon, as are foreign-language different program on each of the four days, and an extraordinary show parents will enjoy this visual story, based on the children’s book of the events. Highlights of this year’s Museums Night include the following: will be provided at the end of the first three days. There are only same name, filled with all kinds of sounds from the clarinet. The first 6,000 seats available, and the first-class seating is complemented by presentation will take place at the Musikschule Riehen (Rössligasse exclusive culinary delights. Tickets 51, Riehen) on January 30 at 17:00; the second one will be at the Gross- Haus der elektronischen Künste (HeK) Basel, 18:00–22:00: Build a Spielzeugmuseum Riehen, 18:00–01:00: Explore a physics wonder- cost CHF 46.30–100.90 and go quick- er Saal of the Musik-Akademie Basel (Leonhardstrasse 6) on January small electronic gadget from electronic trash and take it home with you. land, experimenting with nitrogen and co., or turn yourself into the ly, especially for weekend events, 31 at 11:00. The concert is ideal for kids ages 6 and up. Entrance is free 20:00–24:00: Watch the animated movies of the Fantoche Festival 2015 Cheshire cat using a green screen and camera. so book your tickets in advance to kids and members of the Musik Akademie, otherwise CHF 15 for in their bicycle cinema—you have to pedal to make them move! through Ticketcorner. Check their adults (CHF 5 with Familienpass). Museum für Musik (hosting the Museum für Musikautomaten), German/English website for a com- Anatomical Museum of the University Basel, 18:00–01:00: Learn about 18:30, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00: Silent movies accompanied by a piano; Char- www.musikschule-basel.ch plete list of events. the work of a medical taxidermist. lie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, or Laurel & Hardy—they all make you laugh. www.csi-basel.ch, www.ticketcorner.ch Pharmaceutical-Historical Museum of the University Basel, 18:00– Basler Münzenmesse (Basel Coin Fair) 22:00: Make your own hand cream—but you have to be there early! Tickets January 30 and 31 Basler Jugendbücherschiff 2016 18:15–22:00: Watch the “pill roller”—a master of centuries-old phar- Ticket prices for adults are CHF 24 (regular ticket), CHF 30 including Each year, this traditional January 12–26 maceutical crafts. travel by special night train from Basel Badischer Bahnhof (DB ticket), numismatic event staged CHF 19 with Museumspass (MPM ticket); free for children and young This yearly event is a very special book fair that takes place on the ‘MS Sportmuseum Schweiz, 19:15–22:15: En garde. Prêt? Allez! Under at the Messe Basel opens adults under age 26 with proof of ID. Ticket sales start December 18 at Christoph Merian’ boat that is docked at Schifflände. It houses all kinds the direction of the Maître and his team, try your hand with foil, epee, the series of three impor- all participating museums and other sales location; tickets are also of books for kids of all ages in many different languages. Each year, and sabre. tant Swiss coin shows in available on the night at participating museums. thousands of children, adolescents, their parents, school classes, and Basel, Bern, and Zurich. Schaulager (participating for the first time), 19:30, 21:30, 22:30: Take Your Museums’ Night ticket entitles you to free travel by bus, tram, teachers—essentially anyone interested in children’s literature—visit The Basel Coin Fair boasts a 30-minute guided tour through their exhibit “Future Present.” 18:30– ship, and train in the TriRegio network from 17:00 until late at night. the ship to leaf through the books on hand and discover new reading top-class exhibitors with 23:30: Watch short movies in the auditorium. For more information, check www.museumsnacht.ch. material. Entrance is free. a special focus on the www.edubs.ch/unterstuetzung/bibliothek/lesefoerderung/ interests of collectors. Museum der Kulturen Basel, 19:45, 21:45, 23:45: Action painting For wheelchair users and seniors, three vehicles with wheelchair access jugendbuecherschiff Strolling through the exhibition halls, visitors will not only experience live! Swiss champion break dancer Christian “la furia” Martinez melds are available at Münsterplatz from 18:00–01:30 for transport between 2,500 years of numismatic history but also coins, medallions, historical B-Boying, images, color, light, and music into one piece of art. the museums (sorry, no home transport service). Telephone booking bonds and stocks, railway medallions, and paper money from different line during Museums' Night +41 (0)79 424 30 77. Puppet Theater—Pinocchio Museum Tinguely, 18:00–24:00: The art of calligraphy—write and times and countries. The fair is open from 9:00–17:00 on Saturday, and www.museumsnacht.ch January 16–31 draw with a goosequill, steel tip, brush, or experimental tools. 10:00–16:00 on Sunday. Admission costs CHF 8 on Saturday (free on The Basler Marionettentheater will be presenting the classic story of Sunday), and your entry ticket will automatically be entered in a large Fondation Fernet Branca, 18:30–02:00: Dance the night away in their Pinocchio, the wooden figure that comes to life one night when a fairy prize draw. beautiful facilities at the Nuit de Tango with the Compagnie Estro or breathes life into him. Families with kids starting at age 4 can enjoy this www.worldmoneyfair.de enjoy a Fernet Branca cocktail. magical story and the lost art of large-marionette theater. This version is in Basel dialect and tickets are CHF 15 for kids ages 4–16, CHF 20 for adults, or CHF 10 and CHF 15 with the Familienpass. Pippi Longstocking Celebrates her Birthday www.bmtheater.ch January 31 This family musical will be travelling through German-speaking Swit- Vogel Gryff zerland to mark the 70th anniversary of Astrid Lindgren’s bestselling January 27 “Pippi Longstocking” children’s books. On the occasion of Pippi’s birth- day, she invites her friends Tommy and Annika and together they have One of Basel’s old and unique traditions is the adventures. They experience a shipwreck, look for ghosts in the attic of Vogel Gryff ceremony, a vestige of the muster- the Villa Kunterbunt, and eat the world’s best birthday cake. And of parade inspections for the citizen soldiers trained course there are also gifts, not just for the birthday girl, but for every- by three guild-like societies in Kleinbasel that one. But what do the two crooks Blom and Thunder-Karlsson want? To were responsible for the city’s defense several wish Pippi a happy birthday? “Pippi feiert Geburtstag” is a colorful, ex- hundred years ago. On this day, three heraldic citing stage spectacle with great music and a fabulous cast that is great figures representing the three guilds—the Wilde fun for young and old. There will be two performances at the Stadt- Maa, Leu, and Vogel Gryff—parade through Klein- casino Basel at 11:00 and 14:00. Tickets are CHF 35.20 for adults and basel, accompanied by three drummers, three CHF 28.70 for kids; discounts with the Migros’ Hello Family and Coop’s standard bearers, and four jesters (Ueli), who Supercard. collect money for the needy. The event starts at 10:30, when the Wilde Collegium Musicum Basel New Year’s Matinée Three Kings Day Maa (crazy man) floats down the Rhine on a barge, escorted by his www.balzer-produktionen.ch January 3 January 6 drummers and other entourage. He performs a ceremonial dance with his back stubbornly turned towards Grossbasel. At the Mittlere Brücke, The Collegium Musicum Basel, with conductor Kevin Griffiths and For Epiphany, known as “Dreikönigstag” in German, bakeries and super- Sonntagsmatinée he is met on the Kleinbasel river bank by the Leu (a lion-like figure) and guest violoncello soloist Nebojsa Bugarski, will be playing works by markets sell a special sweet bread shaped like a crown of buns. It comes the Vogel Gryff (a half-man-half-bird creature). Each of the three fig- January 31 Johann Strauss, Gioacchino Rossini, Joseph Haydn, Camille Saint- with a little plastic Jesus or king figure inside and a gold paper crown. ures has its own characteristic dances that they perform throughout If a late Sunday-morning concert appeals to you and your family, why Saëns, Johannes Brahms, and Leroy Anderson at the Volkshaus Basel Each member of the family gets to break off a bun, and whoever has the the day in various locations around Kleinbasel as well as on the Mittlere not come to the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel to listen to the Ger- starting at 11:00. Tickets are CHF 55–65 (CHF 20 for kids and students) piece with the figure is the king (or queen) for the day and gets to put on Brücke. The festival ends late at night. You can find a complete list of schwin Piano Quartet play compositions by Tschaikowsky, Prokofjew, and can be purchased at Bider & Tanner. the crown and boss the rest of the family around. Kids love this! The bread is available in all bakeries and grocery stores starting around the the locations and times for their performances on their website, by Gershwin, Porter, and Bernstein. The concert will start at 11:00 and www.collegiummusicumbasel.ch beginning of the month. It comes with or without raisins and is sprinkled clicking on “Routenplan.” This is definitely a festival like no other! tickets cost CHF 46–63. with coarse sugar, almond slivers, or both. Enjoy! www.vogel-gryff.ch www.konzerte-basel.ch

8 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © museumsnacht basel, © katja stuppia (longiness csi basel), © susanne hiller, © albert m. beck December 2015 / January 2016 9 Fun Outings: Beyond Basel Fun Outings: Beyond Basel

Belle Époque Week Kandersteg is a quaint village nestled along the valley of the river Kan- the shop window displaying message like “toilet paper now available Kandersteg, BE der west of the Jungfrau mountain and noted for its spectacular moun- in rolls”; in the dairy shop, butter is sold by the piece; and the baker’s tain scenery and alpine landscapes. It is a popular place for hiking, wife makes Brätzeli (pretzels) on a historic woodstove. The teacher January 24–31 mountain climbing, cross-country, and downhill skiing. The time walks in period clothing to school, as do many of the pupils. Two hock- Want to take a hiatus from modern life and go back in time for a week around the turn of the century, between 1884 and 1914 is called the ey teams in ancient runners are playing each other on the bumpy ice to enjoy life as it was a century ago? If this sounds appealing, then “Belle Époque.” It was a time when Europe’s culture, economy, and of the Bahnhofmatte, sometimes losing not only the puck, but also a travel to Kandersteg in the center of Switzerland for their Belle Époque society flourished in unprecedented proportions. Tourism took off, with skate. There are nostalgic bobsleigh races on 100-year-old antique week—a winter holiday you will not soon forget! hostels being upgraded to hotels, and more and more people were sleds, while some daredevils have fun with telemark skiing on old traveling abroad. The construction of the Lötschberg Tunnel in 1913 wooden skis. Village businesses play music and serve food and tea in made Kandersteg more accessible and attracted international guests the period style. Other activities include horse-and-buggy rides, after- from far and wide, which contributed to the establishment of many of noon teas and dances, and a Belle Époque-style hat competition. The today’s popular winter sports. The fashion, style, and architecture of crowning glory is a Belle Époque Ball with live music like in the good the village reflected the great atmosphere of this Belle Époque, which old days. came to an abrupt end with the outbreak of World War I. Since 2010, Some activities have limited places and require registration while however, you can once again enjoy the magic of this special period in others—like open-air curling, skiing, and bobsledding as well as an- Kandersteg. In the last week of January, the quiet mountain village tiques exhibitions—can be freely attended. So check out the program turns the time back by more than 100 years, allowing you to enjoy the on their website to reserve early and register yourself for your chosen Kandersteg can be reached by car in about 2 hours, with parking avail- winter nostalgia of the good old days. Guests and locals roam the snowy activities, either through your hotel/local restaurant or through the able in the village proper. You can also arrive by train, getting into the roads in clothing styles from that time, with gentlemen strolling in long Kandersteg tourist office at 033-675-8080 or [email protected]. Belle Époque mood with a voyage through the snowy landscape on a coats and top hats and women walking in full skirts and flamboyant There are Belle Époque packages available on their website with of- nostalgic Swiss Classic Train from Basel to Kandersteg. You can enjoy hats through the ankle-deep snow. fers from participating hotels, and while wearing period clothing is not a coffee in the unique bar coach on the outbound journey, or a fine din- The setting is authentic and magical as many houses have intricately obligatory, it certainly adds to the fun of the experience for everyone. ner in the dining car or directly in your first-class seat on the way back. designed facades of yesteryear. Here and there, the faint ringing of You can put together something yourself, get ideas on their website of There will be extra trains running this route for the Belle Époque week; bells from horse-drawn sleigh carriages can be heard; on the natural time-appropriate outfits under “Belle Epoque Kleidung,” and even get book your return train ticket through www.bls.ch/d/bahn/aktuell-extra ice rink a game of curling is being played while a few skaters grace- addresses of Basel partners where you can rent costumes under zug-belle-epoque.php. fully skate around the rink; the village Coop plays its part with signs in “Kleiderverleihe.” www.kandersteg.ch/belle-epoque

Snow-Up Sole Uno Canton Jura Rheinfelden, AG January 24 If the stress of the holiday season has you looking for some relaxation Similar to the annual “Slow-Up” in autumn, the Jura region of Switzer- or pampering, consider spending a few well-deserved hours at the Sole land is hosting the 7th annual “Snow-Up.” This all-day event promotes Uno Wellness-Welt (wellness world) in Rheinfelden, about 20 minutes getting around in a snowy environment without the help of motorized from Basel. Immerse yourself in a beautiful world of calmness, relax- vehicles. Thus, you can walk, cross-country ski, roller-ski, snow-shoe ing lighting, warm waters, and heavenly scents. The indoor and out- (these can be rented for CHF 5 for kids and CHF 10 for adults), tobog- door facilities are so diverse you will certainly lose yourself in your sur- gan, or do anything else you can think of! They provide several trails for roundings. Start your visit with a relaxing swim in the warm salt-water this, including a family-friendly trail (3.1 km long), a fitness trail (8.6 km), outdoor pool equipped with massaging jets, fountains, and grotto, or a cardio trail (12.3 km), and an endurance trail (15.9 km). You can down- simply let the circular current whisk you away. Then move indoors to load a brochure and map that shows the participating towns and the one of the hot or cold whirlpools, spend some time under the drizzle of trails between them as well as the list of events and times in each town the warm tropical rain, be invigorated in the cold cascade of the alpine (“Des parcours et des animations pour tous”). Go to their website and waterfalls, or relax in one of the warm aroma steam rooms. Be sure to click on “La Journée” at the top of the page, then on “Parcours” in the go down to the red-lighted pool with a salt concentration of 12% that pull-down menu, then click on the map. Parking is limited, so consider will have you floating weightlessly like in the Dead Sea, while listening taking the train to one of the participating towns. to the relaxing music that can only be heard when www.snowup-interjurassien.ch your ears are submerged under the water. The saunas are in a separate A cAsuAl area of the facilities, where bathing suits are ApproAch not permitted. You can to luxury wear a towel if you are modest, or nothing at all. Relax in a Finnish wood-burning sauna, a Russian banya, a bio sauna, or a steam bath and then cool down in a spacious cool-down area with plunge pool. The massage lounge offers many different types of massages; you can sign up for these upon en- try, but it is recommended to reserve in advance by phone at 061-836- 6763. Your entrance ticket gives you access to all of the facilities. You pay by the time block (massages are extra); cost is CHF 27 for 2 hours, CHF 33 for 3 hours, CHF 39 for 4 hours, and CHF 49 for day tickets. For AsK For A pErsoNAl AppoINtMENt. more information in English, click on “English Brochure” on the bottom phoNE +41 79 352 42 12 · FrEIE strAssE 34, right side of their home page. 4001 BAsEl · www.jANEtBArgEzI.coM www.parkresort.ch/en/sole-uno

10 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © phil wenger (belle époque week), © georges henz (snow-up), © parkresort rheinfelden holding ag December 2015 / January 2016 11 Markets and Fairs

    Many of the smaller towns in Baselland also host Christmas markets, normally for one or two days in November or December. While certainly Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlesmarkt (Christ child market), are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the holiday smaller scale than the Basel’s markets, they too have their charm and the years of tradition that make a visit a wonderful experience. Here is a list season in this part of the world. With their warm lights, enchanting decorations, the smell of spiced cakes and mulled wine in the of some of those in Baselland; parking is often scarce so taking public transportation is highly recommended. air, not to mention the hustle and bustle of people browsing the many stands, it is hard not to get into the festive spirit. These www.marktkalender.ch/suche.aspx?w=&t=9&k=BL street markets, which typically run during the four weeks of Advent, date back to the late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe. Living in Basel, you have many options to visit fantastic Christmas markets. Basel’s markets are outstanding, Therwil, December 2: This traditional Christmas market filled with and there are also some beautiful markets in neighboring towns of France and Germany that are well worth the drive. They festively decorated stalls takes place at the Bahnhöfliareal (near the offer a different selection of wares than those in Switzerland, with often considerably lower prices (although the quality of train station); open from 10:00–20:00. the wares may also vary to some degree). Reinach, December 9: Surrounding the Gemeindehaus (community center), you can find festively decorated stalls offering handcrafted  masterpieces, lovingly decorated wares, mulled wine, and local spe- cialty foods. Open 12:00–20:00 (until 21:00 for food). This year, Basel will host three major Christmas markets: at Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, and, new this year, in the Rheingasse area in Kleinbasel. Liestal, December 11–13: Two rows of pretty wooden houses and stalls In addition to these markets, you will also find a few smaller Advent markets or boutiques throughout town. in the middle of the Rathausstrasse, festively decorated shop windows Barfüsserplatz, Until December 23: The market in Barfüsserplatz is There is also a Christmas tree market right in the center of the square left and right, charming snowflake lights, Christmas carols, a colorful the original Christmas market in Basel, characterized by the large illu- where you can buy freshly cut trees. Open Monday to Friday from 13:30– range of arts and crafts, local products, fashion accessories, culinary minated star right at the front. It hosts hundreds of decorated Christ- 19:00 and weekends from 11:00–19:00. specialties, and the smell of steaming mulled wine and roasting chest- mas trees, lights, and 148 stands offering anything from Christmas or- Advent Alley in Rheingasse, Until December 24: Advent magic comes nuts make this a very special Christmas market. Open 11:00–20:00 on naments and wooden toys to hand-carved puzzles, candles, scarves, to Rheingasse, the quaint little area of Kleinbasel just over the Mittlere Friday, 9:00–20:00 on Saturday, and 11:00–18:00 on Sunday. jewelry, and many other hand-made crafts. You can also enjoy some Brücke, for the first time this year. They will be enticing you with Christ- Muttenz, December 19 and 20: This Christmas market with over 80 stalls local delicacies and warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) or mas stands where you can find interesting gifts; culinary delicacies displaying a wide selection of jewelry, leather items, fabrics, knitwear, hot cider. Near the front of the market, the Spielzeug Welten Museum provided by at least a dozen restaurateurs; an entertaining children’s and clothing runs from the tram station Muttenz Dorf along the main each year exhibits a different miniature Christmas scene that is sure to program with a circus cart, exciting activities, and Christmas stories; road up to the Arbogastkirche. Open Saturday from 10:00–20:00 and enchant young and old. Also, don’t miss the favorite tradition of making and Christmas trees. You can also take a peek into some of the court- Sunday from 12:00–18:00, some parking available. your own candle in the wooden house at the front of the market! The yards hidden between the buildings. Open Monday to Friday from market is open from 11:00–20:30 daily (only until 18:00 on December 23). 16:00–21:30, weekends from 11:00–21:30.  www.basel.com/en/christmas-basel-home-switzerlands-largest- www.rheingasse.ch The wares and foods of the German Christmas markets are similar to those in Switzerland, but at considerably lower prices. For a comprehensive christmas-market Advent Boutique, Until December 23: The Spielzeugmuseum (Toy list of Christmas markets in Germany, visit www.weihnachtsmarkt-deutschland.de. Münsterplatz, Until December 23: The Christmas market set up at the Museum) in Riehen will be holding a boutique of specialty older glass Lörrach, December 3–13: Find high-quality arts at crafts from the hour from Basel. Spread over several squares throughout the old town, Münsterplatz is absolutely magical with the beautifully decorated giant Christmas tree ornaments, arts and crafts from the German Erzgebirge region, as well as from Italy and France, at the over 100 beautifully the over 110 stands offer beautiful wares from artisans like glassblow- Christmas tree and lighted globes hanging from the chestnut trees (Ore Mountains), nativity scenes from around the world, and much decorated stands set up in the pedestrian center of the old town of Lör- ers, woodcarvers, and jewelry makers. Make it a full-day outing by throughout the square. It is also lined with goods and food stands, making more. Entrance is free. rach. Opens at 15:00 on December 3, then from 10:00–20:00 weekdays, combining it with a trip to the Circolo Christmas Circus (www.circolo- it a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and indulge in some of the www.spielzeugmuseumriehen.ch until 21:00 on Saturday, and 11:00–20:00 on Sunday. freiburg.de). The market is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00–20:30 traditional foods, such as raclette, fondue, crêpes, Flammkuchen (a type Advent Market, December 5 and 6: The Spielzeug Museum in Riehen Freiburg, Until December 23: The Christmas market in Freiburg is and Sunday from 11:30–19:30. of Alsatian pizza topped with thick cream, onions, and bacon), and also organizes their annual Advent market filled with handcrafted probably the largest and prettiest German Christmas market within an www.weihnachtsmarkt.freiburg.de “Kartoffelpuffer”—a sinfully delicious type of potato pancake served Christmas decorations, crafts, mulled wine, pastries, and more for a with either applesauce or garlic sauce. This market is also open daily true pre-Christmas indulgence. Entrance is free! from 11:00–20:30; only until 18:00 on December 23.   www.spielzeugmuseumriehen.ch www.basel.com/en/christmas-basel-home-switzerlands-largest- Saint Nicolas, nativity scenes, decorations, lights, concerts, and Christmas markets are among the most important Christmas traditions in the christmas-market Riehen’s Christmas Market, December 7: Exhibitors will offer a di- neighboring Alsatian region of France. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy of these markets to visit; for a comprehensive list of Christmas verse range of handmade decorative wares, scented candles, and culi- www.marche-de-noel-alsace.com/marchenoel2.htm. Christmas Fairytale Forest, December 3–22: Also at Münsterplatz, markets in Alsace, go to nary specialties. This market with something to suit all tastes and bud- Robi-Spiel-Aktionen is organizing a variety of activities for the whole Colmar, Until December 31: Colmar is an exceptionally quaint town Neuf Brisach, December 11–13: This Christmas market will take you back gets will be open from 11:00–19:00 and located in the center of Riehen. family. Kids can make and decorate candles and pewter figures, decorate with numerous small squares through which the Christmas market is to the 1700s, with actors and exhibitors in period costume, crafts from gingerbreads, bake cookies, mint coins, and forge metal. They can also Aktienmühle, December 19: Aktienmühle, an old flour mill converted spread, making it a particularly magical visit. Open 10:00–19:00 Sunday days gone by, taverns, farm animals, and boar on the spit. Open 14:00– take a ride on the little Christmas train and write or draw in the chil- into a recreation center, will be holding an Advent market from 11:00– to Thursday, until 21:00 on Friday and Saturday, 10:00–17:00 on Decem- 19:00 on Friday, 10:00–21:00 on Saturday, and 10:00–19:00 on Sunday. dren’s wish book while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or bake bread on 18:00 with numerous stands, food, candle making, play area for kids, ber 24 and 31, and 14:00–19:00 on Christmas Day. Note that there will Ottmarsheim, December 11-13: This unique Christmas market primar- a stick over an open fire. Each activity costs CHF 5–15 (discounts with and entertainment. They are located at Gärtnerstrasse 46 in Basel. be a reduced number of vendors after December 25. ily displays wares from the boutiques of the various museums of the Familienpass); you can buy activity tickets at the on-site ticket booth. www.aktienmuehle.ch Eguisheim, Until December 31: This town was awarded the title “Villes area. It will also offer entertainment, strolls, concerts, and storytelling. et Villages de Noël,” as it so authentically reflects the heritage of the Open 17:30–20:00 on Friday, 10:00–20:00 on Saturday, and 10:00–19:00 region. The beautifully decorated stalls of this market highlight the on Sunday. wares of 30 craftsmen and designers of the region. Open 9:00–19:00 Ribeauvillé, December 5, 6, 12, and 13: This is an original medieval- from Sunday to Friday and until 20:00 on Saturday; closed Decem- style Christmas market, a classic of the region, in one of the most cel- ber 24–26. ebrated villages of the Alsatian wine route. Open 10:00–19:00 on Satur- Kaysersberg, Until December 23: This small Christmas market is very days and 10:00–18:00 on Sundays. typical for the region and made especially enchanting by the quaint- Strasbourg, Until December 31: Located about 90 minutes from Basel, ness of the little town itself. Open only on Fridays to Sundays from Strasbourg’s Christmas market is well worth the drive. The city’s beau- 10:00–20:00 until December 13, then open daily December 18–23. tiful cathedral makes a gorgeous backdrop to this very large market. In Mulhouse, Until December 28: This traditional Christmas market is existence since 1570, it is the oldest and most revered Christmas mar- made even more special by the façades and pedestrian streets that are ket in France. A visit to the city’s great restaurants and shops com- lined with Christmas cloth which is newly designed each year. Open pletes the day trip. Open 10:00–20:00 Sunday to Thursday, until 21:00 daily from 10:00–20:00 until December 23, from 10:00–18:00 on Decem- on Friday and Saturday; note that there will be reduced hours on Decem- ber 24, closed December 25, and open from 14:00–20:00 on Decem- ber 24, 25, 26, and 31 and that the number of vendors will be reduced ber 26–28. after December 25.

12 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © basel tourismus, © john varaklis December 2015 / January 2016 13 DidEvents you in know? Basel: February 2015 (continued)

Christmas Postal Deadlines mini-cab charges the same rate per kilometer irrespective of time or For post offices in many countries, the run-up until Christmas is the busiest day. You can also order free customer cards from taxi companies, who time of the year. The Swiss Post handles one million parcels and up to will then wave the ordering charge as well as offering you preferred 20 million letters per day during that time. If you are sending mail over- rates. Some also offer special cards for ladies travelling alone (Ladies International seas for the holidays, you can still get your parcels and letters to your Taxi Card, Lady-Profittarif) with lower rates after 20:00 (card must be friends and families in time for the holidays, but you may have to use shown before ride begins). All companies also now accept payment by some of the higher-priced delivery services to guarantee on-time arrival. credit card; some even accept payment by debit card. If you prefer to School The table shows a list of the proposed deadlines for the different services pay for taxi rides with a monthly bill, several taxi companies offer offered by the Swiss Post to ensure delivery by December 24. “Rechnungsfahrten” (invoice trips). The card can be registered to your company or to you personally (a CHF 300 deposit may be required for Rheinfelden Destination Delivery Service Letters Parcels personal customers or smaller companies). You carry this card and simply let them scan it after each ride. This can also be a good option Switzerland B–Post December 21 December 22 for your teen, to ensure that they can always get home safely, even Switzerland A–Post Priority December 22 December 23 without having cash on hand. Visit their websites for more information about the rates and services offered by each company. Switzerland Swiss Courier “Lightning” December 23 December 23 Switzerland Swiss-Express “Moon” December 23 (evening) December 23 (evening) Official Taxi Fares Price in CHF (includes 8% VAT) Switzerland Swiss-Courier “Standard”, “Rapid”, and “Turbo” December 24 (11:00) December 24 (11:00) Basic charge 6.50 Europe Priority December 14 December 9 Charge for ordering a taxi 2.80 Europe Urgent December 21 December 18 Surcharge for larger vehicles like a min-van 10.00 Other Countries Urgent December 19 December 17 Distance charge, Mon.-Sat. from 6:00–20:00 3.80/km Distance charge, Mon.-Sat. from 20:00–6:00; Note also that payments or deposits made at the post office by way of pay-in slips should be made by December 27 if they are to be credited to the Sundays and holidays; outside of city limits 4.30/km account before the end of the year. Waiting charge 70.00/hour

Extended Christmas Shopping Hours add shipping, customs duties, and value added tax (VAT). It is important The New “prozentbuch Basel” Book is Out! to inform yourself about all possible costs before ordering online to December 11, 13, 18, and 20 The “prozentbuch Basel” is a book that allows you to save money while ■ English-medium day school: avoid nasty surprises when the products finally arrive. In addition to discovering all that Basel has to offer. It contains 87 pages of coupons Kindergarten and Primary sections Downtown businesses in Basel will be open until 21:00 on the two Fri- these costs, however, you may also see an additional CHF 13 charge for for various venues in the Basel area—essentially a combination of city days leading up to Christmas (December 11 and 18), as well as from “Zollrevision” (customs audit) that you will have to pay before receiving ■ Internationally recognised programmes guide and coupon book for the best, trendiest, and hippest places in the 13:00–18:00 on the last two Sundays before Christmas (December 13 your package. This is a charge that the post office applies when they fields of gastronomy, nightlife, and entertainment. The book, which had and qualifications and 20), making a stroll through the city and Christmas shopping an have to open a package for inspection. They do this if the customs doc- its start in Basel 12 years ago, now has sister books in 3 other major enticing prospect. In addition, the city’s restaurants will be offering uments are “unvollständig” (incomplete), “fehlen” (missing), or are ■ German second language cities in Switzerland: Bern, Luzern, and Zürich. The prozentbuch Basel seasonal delicacies and fine wines during those times. “unglaubwürdig” (implausible). What is considered “implausible” is at of instruction has 44 gastronomy coupons for a www.proinnerstadt.ch the discretion of the Swiss Post and can apply even if all documents wide range of restaurants from and contents are in order. So if you receive a package with this notice ■ Individual coaching and mentoring fast food eateries like Burger and fee, consider it one of the “bah-humbugs” of the season that you King and Subway to trendy and ■ Part time options available Cork Recycling simply have to accept! upscale restaurants like Spiga, If you tend to celebrate the season by raising a glass or two with family Minamoto, and Kohlmann’s. Ad- and friends, then you probably end the holidays with an overabundance ditionally, the 27 nightlife cou- Global of wine and champagne corks—but don’t throw them away! Cork is a Basel’s Taxi Services pons will have you discovering valuable natural product that comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, Basel’s bars and nightclubs, and and which is grown mainly in southwest Europe and northwest Africa. Basel has a fantastic public transportation network of busses and 16 leisure coupons will have you In addition to its use as wine stoppers, cork’s impermeability, buoyan- trams that are not only reliable, but clean, safe, and affordable, gener- local climbing, skating, and swimming, cy, elasticity, and fire-retardant properties make it useful for many ally making use of taxi services in this city an exception rather than the as well as visiting museums, other purposes. However, most of the 150 million wine corks used each rule. You may, however, require taxi services to get to and from the spas, movies, and even hair year in Switzerland end up in the trash. There are 120 cork recycling airport and train station with luggage or during off-hours, as well as Passion for salons. Ninety percent of users stations across Switzerland where you can bring your old corks so that during the holiday season filled with late-night parties and holiday discover new favorite restaurants they can be reused for new purposes, including floor covering, pin cheer. In addition to smaller companies, Basel has five main taxi com- or venues through the prozent- learning and success boards, embankment materials, and even fashion accessories. So panies: 33er Taxi AG (061-333-3333 or www.33ertaxi.ch), Taxiphon buch! The book comes in two for- instead of throwing your cork in the trash, consider keeping a Genossenschaft (061-444-4444 or www.taxiphon.ch), mini-cab AG mats; the larger premium edition For more information, please contact us on: cork-recycling container next to your glass, metal, and paper bins. Visit (061-777-7777 or www.mini-cab.ch), Taxi-Zentrale (061-222-2222 or and the smaller pocket edition. www.korken.ch/kork_sammelstellen.htm to find a cork recycling www.taxi-zentrale.ch), and Enzo Taxi Basel (079-533-4444). You can Tel: +41 61 831 06 06 | [email protected] The premium edition is available location near you. In addition, most wine stores where you buy your call them for service, which normally will incur an additional ordering for purchase at numerous locations in town or directly online; the www.isrh.ch wine will accept the corks for recycling. charge of CHF 2.80, or you can pick one up from one of the several taxi pocket edition is only available online. Both editions contain the same stands in the busier areas of the city, such as the airport, train stations, coupons (mainly 2-for-1 vouchers), each with a small map and direc- Barfüsserplatz, and Marktplatz. As a rough guideline, a taxi ride should tions on how to get there using Basel’s efficient public transport system. Customs Audits on Foreign Packages cost around CHF 40 to the airport and CHF 20 to the train stations and The coupons are good for one year, starting in November. Both editions This is the time of the year when many of us receive packages from to locations within the city limits (prices are higher in the evenings, on cost CHF 44.90 each—a great deal that pays for itself after using only abroad, either sent by family and friends or online purchases from for- Sundays, and on official holidays). The Justice and Security Depart- two to three coupons; they also make the perfect Christmas gift for eign companies and shipped to Switzerland. While products are often ment of canton Basel-Stadt regulates the various official taxi fares (see friends and colleagues! less expensive in foreign online shops, and outside of Switzerland in table), but these rates represent a maximum rate and can be undercut general, beware that those cheaper prices can go up quickly when you by the individual taxi companies to encourage business. For example, www.prozentbuch.ch

14 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © schweizerische post ag, © pro100 network December 2015 / January 2016 15 Christmas Traditions

When you buy Glühwein at the Christmas markets, it usually comes in a mug specially designed for that market and that year. In addition to the drink, you will have to pay a deposit on the mug, which you will get back when you return the mug. Many people keep one mug from each year as a souvenir. There is also a variation made with beer that you will find at some of the Christmas markets in the German-speaking world called “Glühbier,” but beware that warm, spiced beer is really not everyone’s taste! Making Glühwein at home is relatively simple and a good way to use up some of those “not-so-great’ wines that you may have in your wine cel- lar. There is no true recipe to follow as it should essentially be made accord ing to your taste. Empty a bottle of wine into a saucepan, warm Glühwein, which actually translates literally to “glow wine” from the it on low to medium heat, and add whatever spices you like, such as a heated iron usually used to cook it, is served in many countries in some stick or two of cinnamon, a scattering of cloves, and a few all-spice form and variously known as mulled wine, spiced wine, boiled wine, vin berries. Then slowly add sugar or honey to the mixture and taste to see chaud, or Gløgg. From its origins in ancient Egypt and among the if you have reached the desired level of sweetness. Throw in some slices Romans it has become a staple in many parts of Europe and the Middle of orange (and/or lemon or apple slices), and let it simmer gently for at East. It is traditionally drunk in the winter months, particularly around least 10–20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Because alcohol has Christmas time in the Northern Hemisphere, and has become an inte- a lower boiling point than water (78°C rather than 100°C), the mixture gral part of Christmas markets. Glühwein basically consists of warmed will boil at a lower temperature. Boiling the Glühwein allows the alcohol wine that has been sweetened and infused with spices and fruit. The to evaporate, so if you want to preserve the alcohol content, you should type of wine (red, white, berry, cider, or port), as well as the type of spice simmer, rather than boil it. You may also add a shot of hard liquor at (cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, anise, or mace) the end (rum, schnapps, cognac, or amaretto) to replace some of the and the type of fruit (oranges, lemons, or apples) vary tremendously alcohol that has evaporated in the seeping process or to simply give it from one country to another. A wonderful German tradition called an extra kick! Just remember that you will feel the effects of warmed “Feuerzangen bowle” (fire-prongs punch) has the wine, spices, and fruit alcohol quicker than of cold alcohol, so take your cooking in a cauldron over a flame, similar to a fondue pot. A cone of time to enjoy this drink. You can also make sugar that has been drenched in rum is then placed on a holder across a non-alcoholic version by substi- the cauldron and lit on fire, allowing the caramelized sugar to slowly tuting the wine with fruit juices drip down into the cooking wine—delicious! In Canada, where winter such as apple juice, apple cider, carnivals abound, the spiced wine is sweetened with maple syrup, cherry juice, and even fruit tea. kicked up with a shot of hard liquor, and called Caribou! Zum Wohl!

Back in Basel! Tara Gaffney,MS, LPCC Licensed ProfessionalClinical Counselor

Steinenbachgässlein49 ProvidingEngli4051sh SpeakingBasel Counseling TM ServicestoAdole+41786scents,46Adu 97 44ltsand Couples. www.lifetransitionscounselingllc.com

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16 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © susanne hiller

Sports and Recreation

Familien Spieltreff (Family Play-Meet) Holiday Multisport Camp for Kids Indoor Cycling Marathon Dec 1, 8, 15 and January 5, 12, 19, and 26 December 28 – January 1 January 9 Every Tuesday evening from 17:00–19:00 (except during the public Kids Sports Camps Basel is organizing a 1-week multisports camp If cycling is your passion but you don’t much enjoy doing it outdoors school holidays), kids, teens, and families can come to play4you to en- during the Christmas break for kids ages 6–13. With squash, bowling, in the colder winter months, consider joining the indoor cycling club, joy a variety of activities, such as juggling, trick yo-yo, stacking, diabolo, indoor soccer, badminton, racquetball, fitness center, billiards, slack Cycling 3 Ländereck (c3le). This club runs their activities out of the kiwido, and more, as well as numerous classic and modern games. line, mini trampoline, table tennis, basketball, coordination training, Vitis Sportcenter in Allschwil. Indoor cycling is available daily during Most games are self-explanatory, but there is always a friendly staff on balance course, and more, the kids are sure to have fun while playing. their opening hours from 8:00–23:00; c3le cycling courses basically hand to show, explain, and even play with you. Entrance costs CHF 8 for The camp is at the Van der Merwe Center in Allschwil and will run daily are available from 8:30–21:15 from Monday to Friday, and from kids, CHF 12 for adults, and CHF 25 for families; discounts with Familien- from 10:00–15:00; cost is CHF 295 per week, CHF 275 for additional November until the end of March there are additional 2-hour sessions pass. In der Ziegelei, Atelier T25 in Oberwil, Hohestrasse 134. siblings. on Saturday mornings from 9:30–11:30. These classes are open for www.play4you.ch/agenda www.kinderbasel.com adults and children ages 13 and up, or greater than 140 cm tall. You are welcome to take a no-commitment trial lesson for CHF 6; all you Curling Try-Outs need are good sports shoes, cycling shoes (eg, SPD Clicks), small Climbing Evenings December 2 towel, and a water bottle. January 5, 12, 19, and 26 If your child (starting at age 8) wants to give curling a try, the Curling- Once per year, the club organizes a 12-hour indoor cycling marathon; zentrum Region Basel is offering a free try-out on this Wednesday Climbing is a sport with many this year, it will be held at the Rankhof Basel on January 9. You can afternoon from 15:30–17:00. To participate, register by December 1 at facets, requiring technical sign up as a single cyclist or as a team of 2, 3, or 4 members. For skill, flexibility, endurance, more information or to sign up for this event, visit their website and Ski and Snowboard Camps in the Winter Break [email protected] or directly with the trainer Yvonne Lüthi at yvonne_ [email protected]. balance, as well as physical click on “Anmeldeformular 12h Indoorcycling Marathon.” If you would The following are ski and snowboard camps offered to kids in the and mental strength. JO SAC like to prepare for this marathon, they will also be holding three www.curling-basel.ch BS/BL area during the first or second week of the winter break (also Angenstein organizes super- 4-hour training sessions from 10:00–14:00 prior to the event on known as sports break or Fasnacht break) in February. These camps vised climbing every Tuesday December 6, 13, and 20. These training sessions take place at the Disco Night at the Skating Rink fill up quickly, so the time to register is now if you want to secure a evening in January from Vitis Sportcenter; email [email protected] for information or to register. December 4 and 18; January 1, 15, and 29 place. Kids need to have their own complete ski or snowboarding 18:00–20:30. This offer is for www.c3le.ch equipment (helmet is obligatory), which can also be rented from the Young and old are welcome from 20:15–23:00 at the Kunsteisbahn teens ages 14–17 to learn or Sports Department Basel-Stadt. (skating rink) in Rheinfelden, where you can skate to your favorite re- to build on their knowledge of climbing in various climbing halls in the February 6–13: Fachstelle für Jugendarbeit der reformierten Kirche quests played by a DJ. Entrance is CHF 8 for children and CHF 13 for Basel-Stadt/Baselland region; the price is the cost of the entry to the Baselland is offering 1-week ski and snowboard camps for kids born adults; skates for kids and adults can also be rented on the spot. For respective climbing hall (around CHF 15). The locations will be Boul- in years 2000–2008 in various locations in the first week of winter more info and location, go to their website. derhalle B2 (Hardstrasse 46, Pratteln) on January 5, Kletterhalle break. Cost is CHF 245 (excluding lift pass). www.kuba-rheinfelden.ch/kunsteisbahn.htm Laufen (Naustrasse 83, Laufen) on January 12, Kletterhalle K7 im Gun- www.faju.ch deldinger Feld (Dornacherstrasse 192, Basel) on January 19, and again Ice Disco at Margarethen Bouderhalle B2 in Pratteln on January 26. Contact Franziska Hilfiker at February 6–13: JO SAC Angenstein is offering a ski and snowboard 078-652-0810 or [email protected]. camp in the Freiburger Alpen region for teens ages 14–17 in the first December 12 www.jo-angenstein.ch week of the winter break. Contact Tom Kaiser at thomaskaiser@ Come to the Margarethen skating rink in Basel for a night on the “dance intergga.ch. Cost is CHF 350; experience is required. floor on ice.” From 19:00–23:00, experience a colorfully glitzy décor on www.jo-angenstein.ch the ice with great music, special lighting effects, and even a fog machine. Ski and Snowboard Day Excursion Entrance costs CHF 7 for kids ages 6–16, and CHF 10 for skaters over 16. February 7–13: Ski Club BVB Basel offers a camp in Sörenberg. Cost January 16 www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-sportler/sportanlagen/ is CHF 380, which includes transport, supervision, day pass, and les- JO SAC Angenstein is offering kids ages 14–17 a day of skiing in the kunsteisbahnen/kunsteisbahn-margarethen.html sons. The camp is equally suitable for beginners and advanced ski- Jura or Voralpen region (depending on snow conditions). The tour is for ers/snowboarders. both beginners and experienced skiers. Contact Thomas Kaiser at www.scbvb-basel.ch Ski and Snowboard Day Excursions [email protected] for info or to register. February 13–20: Fachstelle für Jugendarbeit der reformierten Kirche December 20; January 10 and 24 www.jo-angenstein.ch Baselland is offering 1-week ski and snowboard camps for kids born Ski Club BVB Basel is a youth organization that offers skiing and snow- in years 2000–2008 in two locations in the second week of winter boarding day trips for people ages 6–20 under the guidance of trained Acrobatics Workshop FC BASEL SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2015 break. The cost is CHF 245 (excluding lift pass). teachers to learn or improve their skills and techniques. Cost is CHF 50, January 23 www.faju.ch which includes transport, supervision, day pass, and lesson. The trips The Acroballet Center (ABC) in Gundeli is offering a workshop from February 13–20: Ooink Ooink Productions and Kinder- und Jungend- are equally suitable for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboard- 10:00–12:00 that will focus on Bogengang (walkovers) for kids starting arbeit Oberes Kleinbasel is offering a ski and snowboard camp for ers. Participants need to organize their own equipment. FC Basel 1893 (Fussball / Soccer) at age 7; cost is CHF 35. Participants will be assisted based on their kids ages 7–12 who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, big-footing, and www.scbvb-basel.ch level and needs. You can register in person or directly on their website. carving. No ski experience is necessary, but a minimum 2-weeks Red signifies Home Game @ St. Jakob Stadion snowboard experience are required for snowboarding. Snow Sports Camp www.acroballet.ch/de/aktuell/workshops.html Date Time Home Team Guests www.ooinkooink.ch December 27 – January 2 Sun., Dec. 6 16:00 FC Thun FC Basel 1893 February 14–20: The Sports Department Basel-Stadt has organized Youths and young adults ages 15–27 are invited to experience a great Sports Classes for Kids this week-long camp for kids ages 12–17 to experience a great and and informative ski and snowboard week in Saas-Fee (VS) during the Twice a year, the Education Department of Basel-Stadt publishes a Thu., Dec. 10 21:05 KKS Lech Poznan FC Basel 1893 informative ski and snowboard week in Fiesch (VS) during the sec- second week of the Christmas break; fresh air and fun guaranteed! The “Sportkalender” that lists many of the sports classes on offer at vari- Sat., Dec. 12 N/A FC Sion FC Basel 1893 ond week of the Fasnacht break; fresh air and fun guaranteed! The Sports Department Basel-Stadt has organized this week-long camp ous clubs around the city, including gymnastics, dance, hockey, karate, cost is CHF 380 for residents of Basel-Stadt and CHF 430 for resi- filled with free-style tricks and a good atmosphere for the cost of fencing, judo, yoga, skating, cross fitness, handball, volleyball, acrobat- Additional games may be added based on the team’s performance in the dents of other cantons. This camp fills up fast, so download the form CHF 480. Participants need to have their own complete equipment ics, ballet, basketball, soccer, swimming, ultimate frisbee, badminton Europa League and Swiss Cup. for Sportangebot #005 and send it in before the registration dead- (helmet obligatory), which can also be rented from the Sports Depart- and other racquet sports, and so much more. Classes start soon, so Prices range from CHF 20–75 for adults in regular seating. Children ages line of January 22, 2016. ment. This camp fills up fast, so download the form for Sportangebot register now. Go to their website and click on “Sportkalender 2016/1 als 6–16 receive a discount of 25% in the regular seating areas. There is a special www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-sportler/ #004 from their website and send it in before spaces disappear! Flyer herunterladen (PDF, 2 MB, nicht barrierefrei)” to download the area for families and young adults (up to age 22) with slightly lower prices. For sportangebote/kinder-jugendliche/sportkalender.html www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-sportler/ flyer. more information on seats and pricing, go to: sportangebote/kinder-jugendliche/sportkalender.html www.sportkalender.bs.ch www.fcb.ch/de-CH/Stadion/Stadionplan-Preise#Preise

22 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © stephen oliver, © kletterhalle k7, © verein cycling dreiländereck December 2015 / January 2016 23 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel

Tour of Kunsthalle Basel Family Sunday—Power Orange(s) Umbrella Workshop December 3 December 6 December 12, 13, 26, and 27; January 2, 3, 16, 17, 30, and 31 The Kunsthalle Basel is dedicated to exhibiting, discussing, and re- Do oranges come from Sicily or China? What stories are there about In former times, umbrellas were a stylish, elaborate, and intricate ac- flecting on contemporary art. On this day they will be offering an Eng- oranges and other citrus fruits? Why are oranges wrapped into colorful cessory made of precious fabrics. Nowadays, however, creative um- lish-language tour of the exhibition “Regionale 16” from 18:30–19:30. papers? What other things in the brellas have become a rarity. In conjunction with the special exhibition museum are orange? From 10:00– www.kunsthallebasel.ch “Parasols and umbrellas—from everyday object to work of art,” you are 17:00, the Museum der Kulturen invited from 13:30–17:30 to participate in a workshop for young and old Basel tries to answer these and oth- where you can design your own children’s umbrella under the tutelage Celebrating Literature through Storytelling er questions during a Family Sunday of experts. Everything you need will be provided. Children ages 6 and December 3, 10, and 17; January 7, 14, 21, and 28 in conjunction with their special ex- up may participate if accompanied by an adult. Participation is free and hibit, “Donkey carts & oranges.” The there is no need to register for the workshop, although you may need to English storytellers invite children from age 5 to discover new ways to program includes readings from wait for a turn. celebrate literature at the Basel West Library (Allschwillerstrasse 90, children’s books, a workshop on in- www.spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch Basel) at 15:30. There will be three storytellers rotating throughout the venting stories, a children’s atelier, and short guided tours through the months of November to February. On December 3 and January 7 and exhibit. Entrance is free. 28, Shelly Verma invites story-lovers to “Book a Trip Around the World” www.mkb.ch and explore folktales and fables from different continents. On Decem- Tour of “In Search of 0,10—The Last Futurist Exhibition ber 10 and January 14, Jeanne Darling will present “Fractured Tales;” of Painting” in this program, a classic story will be introduced and, after exploring Tour of Ben Vautier. Is Everything Art? December 13 the plot, characters, and setting, the children will brainstorm adapta- December 8 and 22; January 12 From 15:00–16:00, the Fondation Beyeler will be giving a public tour in tions and then act out the story. On December 17 and January 21, Traci You are invited to join a short, guided tour in English of the exhibition on English of this temporary exhibit, which retraces an exhibition staged West will present “Beyond Books,” a lively reading of popular picture the works of Ben Vautier, artist, performer, organizer, linguistic inven- in St. Petersburg in 1915 and featuring works of bitter rivals Kazimir books. Participation is free and no registration is required. tor, and re-thinker of art. He is one of the pioneers of the Fluxus move- Malevich, who had just debuted his new non-objective paintings under Talk: Insight—Forum for an Attitude www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch ment in Europe and is known for his text images, which, using brief, the banner of Suprematism, and Vladimir Tatlin with his revolutionary December 10 pithy phrases, equally question and challenge life and art. The Tingue- counter-relief sculptures. The exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler in- ly Museum is hosting the first comprehensive retrospective of this cludes most of the works from the original exhibition, many of which During this event, five designers talk about their work and their English Story Time French artist’s work in Switzerland, including over 400 works in more are leaving Russia for the first time. Admission to the museum is lives. Based on pictures, they answer questions about what they eat December 5 than 30 rooms. The tour starts at 13:00; admission to the museum CHF 25 for adults (CHF 50 for the whole family with Familienpass), for breakfast, how and where they live, what projects they are work- costs CHF 15 for adults, free for kids age 16 and under when accompa- CHF 6 for kids ages 11–19, and free for kids under age 11. The tour ing on, and how they understand attitude. This English and German This 45-minute English program with Jeanne Darling, which is designed nied by an adult, otherwise CHF 10. The cost of the tour is included in costs an additional CHF 7. Note that a French tour of this exhibit will event, which will be held at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am for kids ages 3–6, includes stories, rhymes, and songs with interactive the entrance fee. take place on December 20. Rhein, Germany, at 18:00, is a cooperation with Depot Basel; admis- activities centered on a theme. Most sessions also include a simple sion is free. craft project to take home. Younger and older siblings are welcome. www.tinguely.ch www.fondationbeyeler.ch Story Time takes place at 10:00 at Purpur Familienzentrum in Riehen www.design-museum.de (Baselstrasse 44). Cost is CHF 5 per family, and no registration is nec- essary. www.familienzentrum-purpur.ch bfacademy.com

Guided Christmas Tours in Basel December 5, 12, and 19 These German-language walking tours include the best views of Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and angels, as well as stories about the history, customs, and traditions of Christmas in Basel. The tours start at 16:00 each Saturday and last approximately 90 min. They start at the Tinguely fountain by the Theater Basel and end at the Rathaus (city hall). Space is limited, so reserve early at the Basel Tour- ist Information office at Barfüsserplatz; cost is CHF 20 for adults and    CHF 10 for children up to age 16. www.basel.com      

       Family Tour of Music Museum              December 6         This St. Nikolaus-day tour will feature music and other surprises from       St. Nick’s bag of apples, nuts, and other fruit. Why are nut and fruit       trees so important for music? Well, musical instruments are made        from a variety of woods, each producing a very different sound. This    tour will focus on the various sounds resulting from different woods, as      well as give the kids a chance to build their own instruments out of  nutshells. Ideal for families with kids ages 5 and up who can accom-    pany songs for Santa all while munching on some fruits and nuts. The  D     Museum für Musik is a division of the Historisches Museum Basel and F      is located Im Lohnhof 9, just above Barfüsserplatz (in the same build-   ing as Centre Point); the tour starts at 11:00.    CH www.hmb.ch

24 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © fixperts (illustration about the work of a designer), © museum der kulturen basel December 2015 / January 2016 25 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel (continued)

Talk: Lacaton & Vassal—Living Space with a Future Family Tour of Schaulager Guided Tour of the Riburg Salt Mine in Möhlin January 14 December 27 and January 31 January 23 The Parisians Anne Lacaton und Jean-Philippe Vassal are among the All are invited for a guided tour in English of the Schaulager in München- The PEB is inviting adults with children ages 11 and up to visit the key proponents of a pragmatic yet highly figurative architecture that stein that will give you an overview of the exhibition “Future Present,” Saline Riburg and learn all about how salt is produced. In operation questions the economic and ecological foundations of building. For which will end on January 31. The 60-minute tour starts at 13:00; meet- since 1848, the plant can pro- them, the primary task of an architect is to create freedom and gener- ing place is at the ticket desk. The tour is included in the entrance price duce up to 50 tons of salt per ous, comfortable, and pleasant living conditions. Thanks to simple of CHF 18 for adults (CHF 12 with Familienpass); kids are free and no hour. You will see one of the industrial materials, they create cost-effective but architecturally high- pre-registration is required. Note that there are also French, Italian, largest evaporators in Europe quality living spaces. Anne Lacaton presents her internationally and of course German tours available on other Sundays; check their and get to peek into the salt renowned housing projects and demonstrates the innovative power of website under “Agenda” for dates and times. warehouses, the largest dome her architectural philosophy. This English-language talk will take place www.schaulager.org in Switzerland, and the logisti- at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, at 18:00; ad- cal heart of Switzerland’s salt mission is free. Guided Tour of St. Jakob-Park supply. The German-language www.design-museum.de tour takes place from 14:30– January 16 16:30 and costs CHF 20 per The Programm für Elternbildung (PEB, program for parent education) family, CHF 24 if you live out- is inviting adults with primary school-age children or older to discover side of canton Basel-Stadt. You can register online on their website the St. Jakob Stadium in all its diversity. You can visit the stadium and under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop num- peek into the VIP rooms, the media room, and the sacred catacombs. ber 38. Science for Families Lecture—From Paris to Petrograd: Afterwards you can enjoy a walk through the legendary “Senftube” www.peb-basel.ch December 13 and January 10 Russian Modernism before the October Revolution (mustard tube) out onto the playing field. The German-language tour The University of Basel has a German-language program designed to December 19 takes place from 14:00–15:15 and costs CHF 25 for adults and CHF 15 stimulate families’ interest in science. Café Scientifique takes place In conjunction with the exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler, “In Search of per child. You can register online on their website under “Familien- Tinguely Tours kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 37. one Sunday per month from 15:00–17:00, with specialists in various 0,10—The Last Futurist Exhibition of Painting,” American curator Mat- January 26 fields of research giving talks in a relaxed café atmosphere. There is no thew Drutt will be giving a talk in English entitled “From Paris to Petro- www.peb-basel.ch You are invited to join a short, guided tour in English of the permanent fee and no registration required. Simply show up at the Universität grad: Russian Modernism before the October Revolution.” The lecture collection at the Tinguely Museum starting at 13:00. Admission to the Basel, Totengässlein 3 in Basel. will start at 18:00 and is included in the entrance fee for the museum Tour of “Black Sun” Exhibit museum costs CHF 15 for adults; free for kids age 16 and under when (CHF 25 for adults, CHF 6 for kids ages 11–19, free for kids under age 11, December 13: The December topic is “Sammeln—Urtrieb, Hobby, Obses- January 17 accompanied by an adult, otherwise CHF 10. The cost of the tour is in- sion“ (Collecting—Basic instinct, hobby, obsession). For our ancestors, and CHF 50 for the whole family with Familienpass). The exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler entitled “Black Sun” is devoted cluded in the entrance fee. gathering food was a strategy for survival. Today, collecting is a wide- www.fondationbeyeler.ch to the lasting influence of Kazimir Malevich on the arts right up to today. www.tinguely.ch spread and deeply human passion, particularly in the highly developed At the same time, it celebrates the 100th birthday of Malevich’s iconic industrial countries. It can be more or less systematic, and sometimes “Black Square.” On show are works by 36 artists of the 20th and 21st an even obsessive accumulation of certain objects, works of art, or infor- century, representing the spheres of painting, sculpture, installation, Classes for Kids mation. What drives modern man to this behavior? And how do muse- Tour of ”Silber & Gold“ Exhibit and film, as well as art in the public space. Major artworks illuminate ums, libraries, and scientific archives benefit in this age of the internet? December 20 In these cold winter months, perhaps your children would be interested the connections and tensions—at the level of both form and content— in developing their artistic or creative side? kwerk offers a variety of For many centuries, Basel was a ma- January 10: The January topic is “Humor—Warum und worüber wir between Malevich’s “Black Square” and the art of the last 100 years. classes for kids ages 6–16, including painting, cartoon illustrating, trick- jor center of excellence in the field lachen” (Humor—Why and what are we laughing about). “Humor is There will be an English-language tour of Modern Art within this exhibit film, video, drawing, interior design, photography, experimentation, of goldsmithing. With its selection when you laugh anyway,” the German writer Otto Julius Bierbaum once from 15:00–16:00. Admission to the museum is CHF 25 for adults (CHF 50 printing, and web design. You can find a complete list of classes, dates, of more than 250 pieces, this ex- stated. Bierbaum refers to the talent of certain people to face the ad- for the whole family with Familienpass), CHF 6 for kids ages 11–19, and times, locations, and age, as well as register, on their website. New hibit at the Museum für Wohnkultur versities of their existence with serenity. Although humor is as old as free for kids under age 11. The tour costs an additional CHF 7. classes start at the end of January. human history itself, science has not yet managed to develop a unified presents the many facets of a gold- www.fondationbeyeler.ch theory for it. When and what you laugh about, and what effects laughter smith’s work, from medieval www.kwerk.ch should have in the social context are questions that can be answered liturgical plates to secular show- very differently, depending on culture and language. pieces and silver tableware for www.cafe.unibas.ch/cafe/programm/ use in private households. One of Jukibu Intercultural Library Events the highlights is the 17th- and 18th-century tableware, Jukibu is a multi-cultural library that houses books for children and adolescents in over 50 languages, their largest collection for which the Haus zum Kirschgarten (Elisabethenstrasse 27), Kids Lab being English-language books. Below is the December and January schedule of their foreign-language events organized one of the grandest mansions in Basel, provides an ideal setting. An at the library. Note that the library will be closed December 24 through January 4. To learn more or become a member, December 13 and 16; January 6, 10, 13, and 20 English-language tour of this exhibit starts at 12:30. visit their website at www.jukibu.ch. The University of Basel organizes three workshops per month (in www.hmb.ch Date and Time Event Suitable for… German) where children ages 6–13 can explore a topic related to the month’s Café Scientifique. Children can attend the Kids Lab on Sunday, Every Friday, 17:00–19:00* Bookbinding workshop for children Children ages 9–12 which takes place at the same time as the adult Café Scientifique talk December 2, 15:30–16:30 Storytelling in Albanian and German Parents with children (15:00–17:00), or on one the following two Wednesdays from 14:30–16:30. Tour of “The Sunken Treasure. The Antikythera Shipwreck” December 4, 15:30–16:30 Storytelling in Turkish and German Parents with children December 13 and 16; January 6: The December topic is “Sammelsurium” December 20 and January 17 December 5, 10:30–11:30 Storytelling in French and German Parents with children (Ragbag). Museums have huge collections of skeletons, fossils, bugs, In conjunction with this marvelous exhibit, the Antikenmuseum Basel and more. The children find out how science benefits from these col- will be offering a tour in English of the most important ancient ship- December 6, 12:00–13:00 Storytelling in German at Markthalle** Parents with toddlers lections. In addition, they consider strange, semi-famous, and mysteri- wreck, the Antikythera wreck. This exhibit, which has left Greece for December 9, 15:30–17:00 Storytelling in German Parents with toddlers ous objects and together try to identify and classify them. the first time, highlights masterpieces of Greek art and technology, in- January 6, 17:00 A Three Kings’ story told in Spanish and English Parents with children January 10, 13, and 20: The January topic is “Bitte Lachen!” (Please cluding a mysterious machine consisting of bronze gears that was also laugh!). Is laughter really contagious? What happens in our bodies found on board. This Antikythera Mechanism is regarded as a kind of January 11 – February 27 Lesewinter (reading winter)—puzzle fun in all the libraries in Basel Primary school children when we laugh heartily? Can something sad also be funny? Together computer and as one of the foremost discoveries in the history of ar- January 16, 10:30–11:30 Storytelling in French and German Parents with children they will try to answer these questions on a journey of discovery to the cheology. The tour starts at 14:00 and costs CHF 7; reservation is re- January 23, 10:30–11:30 Storytelling in Japanese and English Parents with children humorous side of life. quired at 061-201-1212 or [email protected]. www.cafe.unibas.ch/kidslab/programm www.antikenmuseumbasel.ch * Except school holidays, **Markthalle, Viaduktstrasse, near Basel SBB

26 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © philippe ruault (contemporary art center of the region nord pas-de-calais [frac], lacaton & vassal, 2013), © historisches museum basel, peter portner (schmuckkassette), © schweizer salinen ag December 2015 / January 2016 27 Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town

Engel in Amerika (Angels in America) Die Schöne und das Biest (Beauty and the Beast) SEVEN—Live some double entendres. The six performances, including two mati- nees, will be held at the Scala Basel on Freie Strasse 89. Tickets for all December 1 December 1–13 December 4 performances are CHF 35 for adults and CHF 25 for kids. Tickets are This play in two parts written by playwright Tony Kushner deals with One of Disney’s greatest successes, “The Beauty and the Beast” has SEVEN is a contemporary R&B singer/songwriter from Switzerland who available from Ticketino as well as many other locations, including the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic in New York in the 1980s. The bewitched audiences worldwide and is now coming to Basel for two gives his all at every appearance; a SEVEN concert is unique and ener- Bider & Tanner. The profits from the show are used to support disad- play is a complex, often metaphorical, and at times symbolic exami- great weeks. This German-language musical version captures the getic. His band consists of 13 gifted musicians who unite their talent vantaged students at the Starehe Girl’s Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and to nation of AIDS and homosexuality in America at that time. It focuses magical story of the beautiful Belle and the enchanted, unfeeling prince, and their shared passion on stage—like it or not, they will have you produce next year’s panto. on a gay Manhattan couple, but also has several other storylines who has been transformed into a beast and may be changed back only dancing! While every show is www.baselpanto.org, www.ticketino.com that occasionally intersect. The two parts of the play are called by the love of a human being. The soulful original music, weightless pre-planned, there are al- Millennium Approaches and Perestroika, respectively, and are per- dance scenes, brilliant solos, and opulent, colorful costumes bring ways some deliberately un- formed consecutively on this evening. The play will be performed at this wonderful fairytale to life. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience planned moments that go English Seminar Choir Concert the Schauspielhaus of the Theater Basel in German, with English at the Musical Theater in Basel. Shows are 2 hours and 45-minutes long where the music, the mood, December 10, 11, and 13 surtitles. Tickets cost CHF 63–93 and can be purchased directly on and are not suitable for kids under age 6. Tickets are CHF 37–117; half- and the audience will take their website. price for kids ages 6–16, and 30% discounted for students and seniors. them. The “BackFunkLove- This Christmas season, the English Seminar Choir, under the musical direction of Michel Uhlmann, will perform three concerts entitled www.theater-basel.ch www.ticketcorner.ch Soul“ tour, named after their recent album, will “From the Tavern to the Church—Secular and Sacred Traditions of an bring their love of timeless English Christmas.” Imagine a Christmas Eve in an 18th-century Eng- Wine Tasting good soul music to the lish town; men and women are performing tavern drinking songs in a December 3–5 and 21–23 stage. For a fun preview of pub-like atmosphere. Then you are “called to the church,” where the SEVEN, check out the YouTube clip of their “Nobody Wants to Dance” traditional Anglican presentation of carols and anthems will follow, like Mövenpick Weinkeller (Haltingerstrasse 101) in Basel is hosting a tast- music video that made real people dance at the Zürich main train in the local church for midnight mass. The audience will be invited to ing of a variety of wines from their current catalogue during their open- station for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 edge. SEVEN will join in the singing of well-known English carols and enjoy the beautiful ing hours on December 3 and 4 until 20:00 and on December 5 until be performing at the Volkshaus in Basel at 20:00, doors open at 19:00. choral music that is typical of the English tradition at this time of year. 16:00. You can also taste and buy your festive wines right before the Tickets are CHF 45 (standing room only) and can be purchased on- There will be three concerts: at the Kartäuserkirche of the Waisenhaus holidays during their extended hours on December 21–23 until 20:00. line. on December 10 at 19:30 (Theodorskirchplatz 7, Basel); at Schönes These events are free of charge and the staff at Mövenpick is always Haus English Seminar on December 11 at 19:30, followed by an apéro happy to assist you in English. http://volkshaus-basel.ch (Nadelberg 6, Basel); and at the Temple St. Jean on December 13 at www.moevenpick-wein.com 17:00 (12, rue de la Synagogue in Mulhouse, France). No entrance fee English Comedy or ticket; collection. Opera—Khovanshchina December 5 www.esc-basel.ch December 3, 6, and 12 In honor of their 10th Christmas show, Guy Stevens presents U.K. “Khovanshchina,” a musical people’s drama in five acts by Modest stand-up comics Ben Norris and George Egg with their program “Anar- Mussorgsky, creates a powerful historical panorama of the hard-fought chist Cook.” They will be rustling up some hot grub, live on stage, with struggle between bitter rivals for the Czar’s crown. Mussorgsky, one of top quality, hotel-room electrical equipment! The show will be at the Palazzo Colombino the most innovative Russian composers of his time, depicts a Russia Kuppel in Basel starting at 19:30, doors open at 19:00. Tickets Until January 24 that is being torn apart by opposing political factions in the power vac- are CHF 45 (CHF 35 for students) and can be purchased online at www.starticket.ch. For the 14th year, the Palazzo Colombino is pitching their tent at the uum following an attempted rebellion. One of the protagonists is the Rosentalanlage near the Messe in Basel. Experience this high-class conservative leader of the www.internationalcomedyclub.ch variety show of a different kind. Spoil yourself with a 4-course candle- Czar’s guards, Ivan Khovan- light dinner prepared by master chef Peter Moser in a mirrored tent with sky, after whom the opera is a special atmosphere, while enjoying a mixture of fascinating artistry named (“Khovanshchina” can Budapest Festival Orchestra brought to you by acrobats, jugglers, magicians, clowns, musicians, and be translated as ‘The Khovan- December 8 much more. Tickets range from CHF 140–240; visit their website for a sky Affair’). But the ordinary Iván Fischer will be directing the Budapest Festival Orchestra in this complete line-up of the artists and shows, and to buy your tickets online. citizens, who suffer most and concert of Robert Schumann’s Overture to Lord Byron’s “Manfred” op. 115, are most damaged by the www.palazzocolombino.ch Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concert No. 1 op. 15, and Bed ich Smetana’s collision of opposing ideolo- “Mà Vlast” (My Country) cycle. Sir András Schiff will be the soloist at gies, are the real heroes of the piano. The concert will be at the Stadtcasino Basel at 19:30; tickets A Taste of the Mountains in Basel “Khovanshchina.” Mussorgsky are CHF 75–165. Until the end of March focuses on the people as playthings of the mighty, but seems to yearn for a society that can renew itself “from the bottom up.” He never com- www.konzerte-basel.ch Have you noticed the alpine-style chalet located near the Basel Zoo? pleted his “magnum opus”—Igor Stravinsky would later provide a finale Each winter season, the “Baracca Zermatt” is set up in Basel to bring and Dmitry Shostakovich the orchestration. Directed by the young Rus- the mountain spirit to our city on the Rhein. This charming fondue cha- The Panto—Young King Arthur sian director Vasily Barkhatov, “Khovanshchina” will be presented at let offers rustic cuisine in a nostalgic atmosphere that will make you December 10–13 the Theater Basel in Russian, with German and English surtitles; tick- believe that the Matterhorn is just outside the door. You will be charmed ets are CHF 50–118, CHF 27–61 for kids and students. The Basel English Panto Group will be presenting the panto, “Young Nubya—Christmas Moments by the walls decorated with rarities from days gone by, the chandeliers King Arthur,” a light-hearted family show, in English, with silly charac- December 11 and wax-dripped candles that cast a special light, the roaring firing in www.theater-basel.ch ters, jokes, singing, and dancing. This is the panto version of one of the Inspired by her success as a gospel choir singer in New York, Nubya the center of the room, and the cords of wood stacked at the door. oldest British legends—the fight between King Arthur, the king of light, brings her talent to the stage in Switzerland. She combines Christ- Whether for relaxing with friends, a big family celebration, or a com- AFTER HOURS—Chillen im Museum and King Melwas, the king of darkness, for the Queen Guinevere, or in mas songs, gospel, and her own compositions into a very personal pany event, it promises a unique “mountain dining” experience—with- this story Gwyneth. Taken from the medieval Welsh and French stories, live program that is so representative of the holiday season. She out leaving Basel! If you are looking for a romantic setting for 2–4 peo- December 3; January 7 Arthur’s true love is stolen by the evil King Melwas and taken to his will be performing in six of the most beautiful churches in Switzer- ple, consider booking the quaintly decorated gondola lit by candles and If you are interested in seeing the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel’s stronghold at Glastonbury. Arthur, his friends, and family, including of land, including the Pauluskirche in Basel on December 11 at 20:00. decked with fur throws on the chairs. The chalet is located at Bin- new exhibit “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” in the evening, here is course the Dame, set out to rescue her amid a world of medieval mag- Tickets can be purchased through Ticketcorner and cost CHF 51.40 ningerstrasse 14 in Basel between Heuwaage and the Zoo. They are your chance. You can visit this special exhibit at your leisure from ical characters, helpful animals, and cheeky ghosts. Though they may for adults and CHF 41.20 for kids ages 6–16. open Monday to Saturday starting at 19:00; closed Sundays. You can 18:00–23:00 for free, followed by a relaxing drink with friends at the not be the brightest party to set out on a quest, the power of love keeps www.actnews.ch make reservations under 061-564-6699, or [email protected]. museum bar (drinks are extra). them going as they sing and dance on the way. Note that the show may www.baracca-zermatt.ch/bs www.nmb.bs.ch not be suitable for very young children as it can be spooky and has

28 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © sandra then (angels in america), © simon hallström (khovanshchina), © redkey gmbh (seven), © nubya December 2015 / January 2016 29 Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Ballet—Swan Lake Ballet—Cinderella Center. His TV show “Dog Whisperer with César Millán” airs in over 80 countries, has been nominated three times for an Emmy, and has December 13; January 8 and 9 December 15 won the People’s Choice Award for the most popular animal show. Dur- The Russian National Ballet of Moscow will be presenting While remaining true to the drama of Cinderella and the score of Pro- ing his live show, Millán shows his skills with real dogs and gives the Swan Lake, the most popular classical ballet of all time. It tells kofiev, Thierry Malandain develops a very personal approach, exploring audience valuable tips for a happy and better relationship between the story of prince Siegfried, the swan princess Odette, and the some themes that are dear to him. “Cinderella” represents the journey people and their companions. Millán not only focuses on the behavior sorcerer Rothbart—a story of longing, loneliness, jealousy, an- of a star, a dancing star. Embark on a journey of fulfillment, passing by of the animal, but also trains the owners on the proper handling of their ger, pain, happiness, and particularly the victory of love over doubt, rejection, suffering, and hope to finally reach the light. This per- dog. Witness the skill of the dog whisperer at the St. Jakobshalle Basel evil. This presentation with fascinating scenery, gorgeous cos- formance of “Cinderella” by the Malandain Ballet Biarritz will start at at 20:00 (doors open at 18:00). Tickets cost CHF 70–120 and can be pur- tumes, stunning dance, and the immortal music of Peter 20:30 and take place at Théâtre La Coupole, just across the border in chased online. Tchaikovsky will mesmerize its audience. This wonderful pro- St. Louis, France. Tickets are € 25.00 for adults and € 9.50 for youths; duction will be at the Burghof in Lörrach for one night in De- they can be purchased online. www.abc-production.ch cember and at the Musical Theater Basel for two nights in www.lacoupole.fr January. Tickets range from € 36–46 (€ 12 for kids and stu- Full-Moon Tango dents up to age 26) for the performance in Germany and from CHF 49.40–109.90 for the Basel performances. Symphony Concert—Création December 19 December 16 www.actnews.ch, www.burghof.com Tango Schule Basel will be presenting an evening of tango disco with This concert by the Sinfonieorchester Basel features works by Darius the best selection of music, a colorful mix of dancers from near and far, Milhaud and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Milhaud’s “La Création du and a great atmosphere. A favorite meeting venue for tango lovers, Monde” tells of the creation of the world but from the perspective of VollmondTango will be held at the Volkshaus in Basel from 21:00–01:00; African fables. Milhaud combined the music of Johann Sebastian Bach tickets are CHF 15 at the door. Ballet—Tewje Dance Night with the musical styles of samba and blues to create this piece. In his www.tangobasel.ch December 11, 20, 22, 26, and 29; January 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 17 December 12 and 31; January 9 final years, Mozart created an oeuvre that remains unfathomable to this day. In less than six weeks he wrote three symphonies, of which Tewje must watch as his family falls apart when his home is being taken. “Tanznacht40” dance parties are for those who have at least 40 years Symphony No. 39 is the most charismatic. Another of his late pieces, Yet he never loses his faith in God and his truly unshakable humor. This under their belts. All parties run from 21:00–03:00 and are held at the The Magic Flute the Piano Concerto in A major, captivates the audience with moments story, which was made popular by the successful musical “The Fiddler Querfeld-Halle (Halle 8), Dornacherstrasse 192 in Basel. The events on December 19, 23, 27, and 31; January 3, 5, 8, 10, 16, and 31 of expressive sadness and melancholy. Before the concert, there will on the Roof” (“Anatevka”), recalls the vanished world of the Stetls. December 12 and January 9 will feature DJ Ice, and the New Year’s Eve be an English introduction by Dr. Thüring Bräm in the Hans Huber-Saal A cry for help, a mysterious monster, and three ladies start the fairytale There is no nostalgic transfiguration, no embellished idyll to obscure event will feature DJ Visconte. Friends, couples, and singles are welcome; of Stadtcasino Basel at 18:15. The concert begins at 19:30; tickets start of Prince Tamino, whom the Queen of the Night commands to free admission is CHF 15. the bitter reality of life of East European Jewry and the disasters that at CHF 31 (CHF 15.70 for students) and can be purchased online or at Princess Pamina from the clutches of her kidnapper, Sarastro. In his loom on the horizon at the beginning of the 20th century: revolutions, www.tanznacht40.ch Bider & Tanner. quest, Tamino is helped by Papageno, who promptly warbles and stum- pogroms, expulsions. Richard Wherlock picked Scholem Alejchem’s bles his way into everybody’s heart. The story transforms gradually into www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en classic of Yiddish literature “Tevye, the Milkman” for his new ballet. Ü30 Party a ritual that Tamino and Pamina are obliged to follow. Tests have to be Wherlock’s contemporary dance style combines with the lively and passed, old ties must be broken. Previous conceptions of good and evil December 12; January 9 catchy music of Olivier Truan, who was commissioned to write a score César Millán—The Dog Whisperer Show are reversed, the world is turned upside down. At the end of their jour- for the new ballet. He wrote a fascinating world music dominated by This disco is for those over 30 years old who love to dance, listen to December 17 ney everyone is a lot wiser and more grown up. Or are they? “The Magic stylistic openness, the Jewish musical traditions, Southern European good music with like-minded people, get together with friends, or meet The international dog expert César Millán, considered the inventor of Flute” is an unusual mixture of Viennese folk theatre, masonic myster- folklore with jazz improvisations, but also borrowing from the Western interesting new people. The Offene Kirche Elisabethen (Elisabethen the Dog Whisperer program, is coming to Switzerland to share his ies, and fairytale. Since its first performance in 1791, it has established classical music, combining it into one “Contemporary Klezmer.” This Church) near Bankverein regularly hosts dance parties from 20:00–02:00 knowledge on how to deal with dogs. In an entertaining live show he in- itself as one of the highlights of the operatic repertoire. Above all “The ballet, which promises dance virtuosity and exuberant playfulness, will to raise money for charitable causes. This year’s beneficiary is Cartons troduces the audience to his unique techniques. Millán has over 25 years Magic Flute” remains a mystery whose complexity is always open to be staged on the Grosse Bühne of the Theater Basel. Tickets are du Coeur, an organization that provides basic food necessities to people of experience, starting with his childhood on a farm in Mexico where he further investigation. This grand opera in two acts by Wolfgang Ama- CHF 50–118 for adults, and CHF 27–61 for kids and students. on the poverty line. Tickets cost CHF 25; it is advisable to buy them in began to develop and expand his talent. At age 21, he immigrated to the deus Mozart will be performed on the Grosse Bühne of the Theater advance through Ticketcorner as this event sells out quickly. www.theater-basel.ch United States and worked odd jobs as a veterinary assistant and -groom Basel. The performance is in German with German and English surtitles; www.offenekirche.ch/programm_veranstaltungskalender.htm er. After furthering his understanding of dogs and their behavior, he tickets are CHF 60–137, CHF 32–71 for kids and students. www.ticketcorner.ch founded the Pacific Point Canine Academy and later the Dog Psychology www.theater-basel.ch Madonna December 12 The Jackson Singers—Amazing Gospel Christmas Tour On its journey around the globe, the long-awaited “Rebel-Heart Tour” December 13 comes to the Hallenstadion in Zürich for what promises to be one in- For more than 30 years, the Jackson Singers have known how to en- European Outdoor Film Tour 2015/2016 credible show. In addition to being recognized as an extraordinary art- chant their audiences and convey the message of passionate faith and December 17 ist, composer, and producer, Madonna, above all, has a reputation for love with their infectious rhythms, full-bodied voices, and contagious being one of the most successful live performers of all time. The Queen cheerfulness. This mixture of deep The European Outdoor Film Tour presents a selection of the best of Pop will wow her fans with her latest show, a tour to present her 13th emotionality and temperament is and most extraordinary outdoor and adventure films. This year’s studio album entitled “Rebel Heart.” There are still a few tickets left at not only convincing, but immediate- program currently consists of nine short films and documentaries CHF 166.25 and CHF 270.60. ly jumps over to the audience and (in English) that will be shown at each event; from snowboarding on www.ticketcorner.ch creates an atmosphere as we know the steepest mountain faces; climbing in Patagonia, the Matter- it from services in the United States. horn, or the K2 summit; skiing down a volcano; slacklining; and In the current Christmas program extreme mountain biking to taking a horseback journey from Mex- ico to Canada or skateboarding down the seemingly endless roads Christmas Ball “Amazing Gospel Christmas,” the Jackson Singers will sing traditional of the Sierra Nevada. You can go to their website to view a trailer of December 12 gospel and spiritual songs, along- the 2015/2016 presentation entitled “The Best Outdoor and Adven- Tanzschule Basel (Dance School Basel) is organizing this Christmas side Christmas carols and original compositions. Join this unforget- ture Films.” ball at the Grosser Festsaal of the Stadtcasino Basel from 19:30–24:00. table concert experience at the Saalbau Rhypark am Rhein in Basel. www.eoft.eu/programme, www.stadtcasino.ch Cost is CHF 180 per couple; call 061-261-4644 or email them to reserve Show starts at 17:00; tickets can be purchased through Ticketcorner your tickets. for CHF 49–85. www.tanzschule-basel.ch www.jackson-singers.ch

30 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © russian national ballet, © jackson singers, © xavier de la rue (european outdoor film tour) December 2015 / January 2016 31 Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Family Ballet—The Nutcracker Carmina Burana & Beethoven 9. Symphony Grosser Bruder (Big Brother) Bodecker & Neander December 26 December 30 December 31 January 10 The score of Tchaikovsky’s popular ballet is one of the most brilliant The Hungarian Festival Choir and the renowned Pannon Philharmonic The Vorstadt Theater in Basel will be presenting this production enti- With their programs, which can only be de-de- and elegant ever composed for a ballet. The story of “The Nutcracker” Orchestra will perform the famous final chorus “An die Freude” (Ode tled “Grosser Bruder,” a humorous piece that playfully takes a per- scribed as brilliant visual theater of magicalal is as Christmas-y as the scent of baked apples and glittering tinsel— to Joy) from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony—a piece that has inspired po- sonal look at siblings. With mostly physicality and almost no words, the witty comedy and optical illusions, Alexander the story of children who on Christmas Eve are gifted a nutcracker that ets, writers, and visual artists—as well as Orff’s masterpiece “Carmi- siblings in this theater piece go on the search for the meaning of life. Neander and Wolfram von Bodecker have in-- comes to life in a dream, turns into a handsome man, and shows them na Burana.” Particularly with its opening chorus, “O Fortuna,” “Carmina The presentation will be at 21:00, and will be followed by a New Year’s spired audiences in over 30 countries for visions of distant lands and peoples. This stage production is a very Burana” is the most famous piece of contemporary music. The magical party; tickets range from CHF 10–25, with reductions offered for families. many years. The dynamic duo resonate with special and beautiful version of this ballet classic for children ages pull of the rhythm and the multicolored composition of the instruments, For tickets, simply fill out their online form under “Tickets” and indicate their audience without words and almost no 4–94; created for children, but not childish! The ballet is performed by including all kinds of percussion and piano, is one of the biggest chal- the number of tickets requested. props. Whatever your age, and whether you love or hate the theater—this performancee a top-class ballet company with outstanding international soloists, lenges ever for singers and musicians, enjoyed by a diverse audience www.vorstadt-theater.ch great elegance, colorful costumes, and an imaginative stage design. with different musical tastes. Following well-received concerts in the will bring tears and emotion so close to the sur-sur- The story will be lovingly narrated, with catchy little poems full of wit, United States, Canada, and throughout Europe, this special Christmas face. They will be at the Burghof just acrosss the charm, and love to pull young and old alike under its spell. This special concert production will come to major cities in Switzerland, including Big Bang Basel 2015 border in Lörrach, Germany, to present their performance of “The Nutcracker” will take place in the Musiksaal of the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel on December 30 at 19:30. Tickets December 31 Christmas show “Hereingeschneit! Geschichten the Stadtcasino Basel at 17:00; tickets are € 26.40–35.60 for adults, and für die Gänsehaut” (Come on in! Stories to give you goosebumps) at are CHF 31.00–106.90, half-price for students, and can be purchased Switzerland’s biggest New Year’s Eve Party for young adults will take € 17.30–26.40 for kids up to age 17. 18:00. Tickets can be purchased online and are € 25 for adults and € 12 through Ticketcorner place at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel. It has something for everyone; the for students. www.stadtcasino.ch www.concertmedia.de spectrum of music includes chart hits, pop, R’n’B, Hip Hop, House, Electro, and Remember. The great program and party atmosphere will www.burghof.com help you start off the New Year on the right foot. Big Bang Basel is from Corale Ermitage Gandini Juggling 21:00–05:00, and is strictly for those 16 and up; IDs necessary! Regular Borromeo String Quartet December 26 December 30 and 31 and VIP tickets can be purchased online; food and drinks will be avail- January 12 With their expressive and soulful voices, the choir group Corale Ermitage The new program of the English able for purchase. Check their website for a complete line-up. The Gesellschaft für Kammermusik will be presenting the Borromeo from St. Petersburg invites you on a unique spiritual journey. Their group Gandini Juggling is a theater– www.stjakobshalle.ch String Quartet at the Hans Huber-Saal of the Stadtcasino in Basel. This moving repertoire ranges from orthodox sacred chants and traditional dance–juggling performance in which award-winning quartet from Boston will be playing works by Joseph monastery melodies from the times of Russian baroque and classicism, the worlds of ballet and juggling Haydn, Gunther Schuller, and Béla Bartók. The concert starts at 19:30; to works by famous Russian composers of the 19th and 20th centuries, meet. Premiered in January 2015 at New Year’s Eve Chamber Music Concert tickets cost CHF 32–62. and they end the concert with world-renowned and contemplative the Royal Opera House London, Sean December 31 Christmas songs. Since its founding in 1996, the four-member ensem- Gandini, together with choreogra- www.kammermusik.org The Kammerorchester Basel will be presenting “Cell of Hell,” where ble regularly travels through Western Europe with its Russian music. pher and former Royal Ballet dancer classic meets rock—punky, fast-paced, wild, and, especially for New On December 26, the four singers will come to the Elisabethenkirche in Ludovic Ondiviela, created a fantas- Year’s Eve, at times soft and even classic. The concert will take place at Das Phantom der Oper Basel to showcase their diverse repertoire, which testifies to an inex- tic, cross-genre theater form with Ackermannshof in Basel (St. Johanns-Vorstadt 19/21), starting at January 15 haustible cultural value. Tickets for this concert are CHF 36.10 and can four jugglers and four classically 22:00. Tickets are CHF 45 for adults, free for kids up to age 14 with ac- be purchased online. trained dancers. It is a dialogue of The Musical Theater in Basel will present this companying parent, and can be purchased online. dance and juggling that plays with German-language musical masterpiece of the www.actnews.ch patterns and structures where human www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch 1910 novel “Le Fantôme de l’Opéra,” with weaknesses negate mathematical perfection; this piece is floating, hu- world-renowned star Deborah Sasson. State- of-the-art 3D video technology creates a per- The Great Giuseppe Verdi Gala morous, profound, and startling. Gandini Juggling have now performed Traditional New Year’s Eve Concert 4,000 times in 40 countries over the last 20 years, thrilling audiences fect stage illusion that smoothly transitions December 27 with their ravishing humor, virtuoso juggling, and breathtaking chore- December 31 between scenes and images from the ballroom Verdi wrote 26 operas in the course of his long life, all of them master- ography. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this performance live on There will be a traditional New Year’s Eve concert at the Musiksaal of of the opera to the dressing rooms, from the pieces. “Die Grosse Giuseppe Verdi Gala 2015” showcases the most either Wednesday at 20:00 or Thursday at 18:00 at the Burghof, just the Stadtcasino Basel. The Basler Festival Orchester under the direc- cemetery to secret passages, and from the beautiful works from the inexhaustible wealth of magnificent over- across the border in Lörrach, Germany. Tickets are € 24–34 for adults on tion of Thomas Herzog will be playing works by Kuhlau, Meyerbeer, lake to the secret chambers of the Phantom. tures, arias, and duets. The event will take place at the Musiksaal of the Wednesday, € 29–39 for adults on Thursday, and € 12 for students on Donizetti, Verdi, Busoni, Chabrier, Tschaikowsky, and many more. The “Das Phantom der Oper” is one of the most Stadtcasino Basel; tickets range from CHF 51.40–96.90. both days. concert starts at 19:00 and costs CHF 61.60–106.90. successful touring musicals in Europe. Tickets www.actnews.ch www.burghof.com www.stadtcasino.ch range from CHF 59.60–119.90. www.actnews.ch

Mummenschanz Anna Laura December 21 and 22 Exclusive Schuhmode Since their first show in Paris over 40 years ago, Mummenschanz have met with incredible success and Aeschenvorstadt 56, 4051 Basel acclaim worldwide. By now they have performed in over 60 countries on 5 continents; including a 3-year Near Beschle Cafe, stop on Broadway. Mummenschanz’s non-verbal theatrical language has continued to develop indepen- in the Aeschentor Passage dently of the contemporary mask-theatre. The “stories” told by Mummenschanz are comical but merely visual. There is no music, no stage set. There are only objects, masks, and bodies that evolve in various W ide range of high quality, hand-made leather shoes for women combinations against a black background, thus composing a playful “paralanguage” that can be under-     Large collection of small sized shoes (from size 34), exclusively here in Basel stood by all. There will be two performances of Mummenschanz at the Burghof just across the border in Experience history first-hand. Lörrach, Germany, at 20:00 on Monday and 18:00 on Tuesday. Tickets are € 39-49 for adults, € 12 for kids, Gift vouchers are available for birthdays and Christmas! and can be purchased online. www.burghof.com For further information or booking For viewing our evening shoe collection, please call: 079 125 00 34. please go to www.basel.com/guidedtours.

32 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © arnau stephenson (gandini juggling), © mummenschanz, © bodecker & neander, © act entertainment (phantom der oper) December 2015 / January 2016 33 Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Ballet Revolución Cube Session #14 age 14 are free with accompanying parent), and tickets that include a 3-course menu at Jay’s Indian Restaurant before the concert are January 19–24 January 28 CHF 54. Tickets can be purchased online, up to three days before the A cross between ballet and street dance combined with overwhelming power, daring jumps, The Cube Sessions take place four times a year at the Kuppel in Basel. event for the meal-and-concert combination ticket. and sensual moves encounter the irresistible live sound of international club hits from the Classical and electronic music move out of their comfort zones in www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch world of pop, R & B, Hip-Hop, as well as fiery Latin rhythms. With this recipe for success, search of something that’s more than the sum of its parts. The ses- “Ballet Revolución” has its audiences around the world jumping from their seats. From sions make the perfect Thursday prologue to the upcoming weekend, Sydney and Singapore to London, Paris, and Berlin—audiences can’t get enough of the and a musical voyage of discovery between remix, reprise, and flagrant Western in Concert contagious joie de vivre and the language that the Cuban dancers’ athletic bodies speak. rule-breaking. Amped/Wired will be accompanied by members of the January 29 The beginning of 2016 brings the explosive performance of this troupe back to Switzerland Sinfonieorchester Basel. The concert begins at 21:00; tickets cost with a new show. Some of the world’s most talented dancers, fueled by the phenomenal CHF 20 (CHF 15 for students) and can be purchased online. The Western movie is one of the most exciting and oldest genres of cinema, with a focus on the American myths about the conquest of the seven-piece “Ballet Revolución” live band playing hits by Pitbull, Usher, Rihanna, David www.cubesessions.ch Guetta, Hozier, or Beyoncé, will kindle a real fireball of emotions and energy. The shows Wild West. Tough cowboys, smoking colts, snorting horses, confident will be at the Musical Theater Basel and tickets range from CHF 70.80–110.90. women, beguiling landscapes, and shootouts on dusty roads—these Motionhouse—Broken are the clichés that define the Western. The music that tells the stories www.musicaltheaterbasel.ch January 28 of these glorious heroes, nasty villains, and tragic confrontations makes up soundtracks that are in turn noble, cheerful, intoxicating, sinister, The British dance company Motionhouse was founded in 1988 by Kevin threatening, and deeply sad. This concert—which incidentally will be Finnan and Louise Richards and since then stands for exceptional, recorded on CD—will include award-winning music from classics like contemporary dance, which is supported by projections as well as ele- “High Noon” (1952), “The Magnificent Seven” (1960), “How the West ments of theater and acrobatics. Kevin Finnan and Company will be Was Won” (1962), and the iconic harmonica melody from “Once Upon a bringing their new production “Broken” to the Burghof in Lörrach, Time in the West” (1968), as well as film music from more recent West- Germany. This show focus- Mizmorim—Festival of Jewish Classical Jesus Christ Superstar erns, including “Dances with Wolves” (1990) and “3:10 to Yuma” (2007). es entirely on the relation- January 15 and 16 January 23, 25, and 26 The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus will await you with ship between man and na- warm Americana sounds and exciting orchestral bravado that will have This festival highlights new Jewish musical traditions. It takes its name In 1970, the album “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd Webber ture—a relationship that in you jumping out of your seat at the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel from the biblical songs and psalms, the MIZMORIM, representing the and Tim Rice exploded onto the scene. The rock opera perfectly re- many ways has been char- at 19:30; Tickets can be purchased online. musical form of prayer and intellectual exchange in the Jewish faith. flected the feeling of the time, bringing together the ‘60s generation’s acterized for decades by This year’s festival, “Mizmorim Festival America!” will take place on search for meaning, hippie culture, a classic musical format, and rock misunderstanding, exploi- www.stadtcasino.ch two consecutive days and include three concerts. The two concerts on in one spectacular hit concept album. It tells the story of the last seven tation, and destruction. With Friday will be at the Museum Tinguely and will feature the percussion days in the life of Jesus from Judas’s point of view. However, Lloyd athletic dance, complex Family Concert ensembles of the Musikhockschule Trossingen and the Hochschule für Webber and Rice do not characterize Judas simply as a traitor. They projections, and musical Musik Basel. The first concert at 15:00 will be a family concert entitled show him as a supporter and above all a friend of Jesus, who has to pictures, the dancers explore stereotypes and illusions that govern the January 30 “Clapping Music” and the second concert at 21:00 is entitled “Schlag- struggle with his increasing disillusionment as he is forced to watch thoughts and actions of people. Gorgeous, delicate, and poignant, the As part of the mini.musik series, the Sinfonieorchester Basel presents zeugmusik aus der Neuen Welt” (Percussion music from the new how their shared dream slips increasingly beyond their reach. The eu- dancers take the audience on a journey into the bowels of the earth, “Im Zoo” (At the Zoo). Sneak around on paws, with fins, and wings; mu- world). Tickets for these concerts are CHF 15 for adults, CHF 10 for kids, phoria with which supporters and opponents greet Jesus escalates into dimensions that have never been seen before. The performance sically fly, swim or traipse through enclosures, aquariums, and me- and CHF 40 for families with two adults and two kids. The concert on into a fanaticism that stylizes Jesus as a cult figure. He confronts this starts at 20:00 and tickets cost € 34–44 for adults and € 12 for students. nageries; and have some animal fun. Musical meowing and tweeting Saturday will take place at the Hans Huber-Saal of the Stadtcasino cult of stardom with a gentle strength; however, doubts about the worth www.burghof.com will be played by animal lovers on the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, Basel at 19:30. This concert entitled “American Footprints” with Cam- of his own deeds cause him too to quarrel with God. This diversity of and piano. This concert series offers musical and playful productions erata Bern will feature Chen Halevi on clarinet. Tickets for this concert viewpoints drives the drama. Irrespective of its religious aspect, the for kids ages 4 and up. Children can really feel involved in what is hap- are CHF 35 (discounts for kids and students) and can be purchased at perverse extremes of the cult of stardom is still a phenomenon of our Chamber Music Concert—Wie klingt die Nacht? pening and will also get a chance to try the instruments at the end of Bider & Tanner or www.biderundtanner.ch. time, in a world that continually seems to be falling apart. The show, January 29 the concert. The concert starts at 14:30 in the Festsaal of the Stadtca- www.mizmorimfestival.com which is in English with German surtitles, will be directed by Tom Ryser, The Kammerorchester Basel will be playing a tour-de-force of classical, sino Basel. Tickets can be purchased online or at Bider & Tanner and with the music performed in the original band arrangements for the cost CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for kids; families with two adults and legendary 1970 recording. Tickets can be purchased online and are ambient, glitch, and drone entitled “What does the night sound like?” The concert will take place at the Ackermannshof in Basel (St. Johanns- two kids pay CHF 50.00, plus CHF 7 for each additional child. Vienna Symphony Orchestra CHF 50–118 for adults, and CHF 27–61 for youths. Vorstadt 19/21) at 22:00. Tickets for the concert are CHF 20 (kids up to www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch January 19 www.theater-basel.ch The Wiener Symphoniker under the direction of Philippe Jordan with violinist Hilary Hahn will be playing works by Dvorák and Brahms at the Brandford Marsalis Stadtcasino Basel at 19:30. Tickets are CHF 75–165 and can be pur- January 28 Night of the Jumps chased online. January 29 and 30 The Offbeat Concert series will be bringing American saxophonist, www.konzerte-basel.ch composer, and bandleader Branford Marsalis to the Martinskirche in Since 2001, the Night of the Jumps has developed into the largest and most famous Basel. Whether playing with Art Blakey, Sting, James Taylor, Miles freestyle motocross tour in the world. It is a competition with suspense, action, break- Davis, or Tina Turner, Mar- neck stunts, and fireworks. At Night of the Jumps, the stunts presented not only set Concert—Alla Turca salis always stands for a new standards but are often also world premieres. They will be divided into and judged January 22 special tone, for extraordi- according to three categories: Best Whip, Highest Air, and Freestyle Motocross. In Directed by Kevin Griffiths, the Collegium Musicum Basel with violin nary solos, and for a new Freestyle Motocross, which accounts for the bulk of the events, the riders race over a soloist Julia Schröder will be playing Joseph Haydn’s “L’incontro im- mixture of style. He re- jump ramp and perform the craziest tricks like backflips and numerous figure varia- provviso,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto Nr. 5 in A-Major cently recorded a solo CD tions with their motorcycles. The Best Whip contest honors the rider whose machine and overture of the “Abduction from the Seraglio,” and Andreas Rom- entitled “In My Solitude,” does the strongest rotation perpendicular to the direction of flight; whereas the High- berg’s Sinfonia alla Turca Nr. 4 opus 51. The concert will take place at an exciting blend of blues, est Air contest rewards the highest jump with a motorbike, which often surpasses the the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino at 19:30; there will also be a pre-con- jazz tradition, classical, 10-meter mark (the world record is 11.50 meters!). Riders from many nations have cert presentation at 18:15. Tickets are CHF 54–80 for adults and CHF 20 and avant-garde. This con- joined this worldwide successful tour, which will include two nights at the St. Jakobs- for kids and students and can be purchased at Bider & Tanner, Stadt- cert is a rare opportunity to enjoy this great saxophonist acoustically halle in Basel. On Friday, doors open at 18:00 and the show begins at 20:00; on Satur- casino Basel, Basler Zeitung (BaZ) at Aeschenplatz, Basel SBB, as well and unadulterated in the church. The concert begins at 20:00, doors day the respective times are 17:00 and 19:00; tickets range from CHF 45–93. as many of Basel’s ticket outlets. open at 19:30; tickets cost CHF 32–75. www.stjakobshalle.ch, www.nightofthejumps.com www.collegiummusicumbasel.ch www.offbeat-concert.ch

34 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credit: © ballet revolución, © brandford marsalis, © katja ogrin (motionhouse), © night of the jumps December 2015 / January 2016 35 Contact us for more information about subscribing or advertising: info basellife.com www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel www.basellife.com

Mark Your Calendar! February 2016 Highlights > Liestal’s Fiery Parade February 14 > Morgenstreich February 15 > Basel’s Fasnacht Carnival February 15–17 > Test—The Rock Opera February 20 – March 6 > Bummelsonntage February 21 and 28; March 6 > Die Nacht der Musicals February 27

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Individual copies can be purchased at: BIDER & TANNER Aeschenvorstadt 2, 4010 Basel (Bankverein) BASEL TOURISM At the SBB Train Station and in the Stadt-Casino at Barfüsserplatz