The Basler Gesangverein BGV was founded on 2 May 1824 and is the oldest mixed choir in Switzerland still existing under its founding name. At that time, Basel had neither a symphony orchestra nor a choir capable of performing the demanding works of old and new masters. With the oratorio Le Laudi, the BGV is placing a magnificent composition closely linked to its history at the centre of its 200th anniversary celebrations. Hermann Suter created the work in 1923 and dedicated it to the Basler Gesangverein, which performed it for the first time on the occasion of its centenary.

Hermann Suter, composer, conductor and organist, grew up in the Frick valley and studied at the conservatories of Stuttgart and Leipzig. In 1892 he settled in Zurich, where he worked as an organist and conducted various choirs. In 1902, Suter finally found his calling in Basel, where he became conductor of the Allgemeine Musikgesellschaft, the Liedertafel and the Basler Sängerbund, which he led until 1924. Suter died in Basel in 1926.

Suter chose the famous Canticle of the Sun, written by Francis of Assisi around 1224, as the text for Le Laudi. The poem celebrates the beauty of creation. In nine movements, Suter gives musical form to all those who join in the praise of God. The radiance of the sun, the twinkling of the stars, the raging of the wind and the bubbling of the water, the blazing of the fire and the ups and downs of life are made audible through all the musical means available.

A video created by David Haneke will give visitors to the anniversary concert additional access to the Laudi through contemporary artistic means.