The needle is pointing north and the sun is rising in the east – a compass helps you find the right direction. But is this still enough today? New approaches to orientation are needed in society and in music. The Musikfestival Bern 2024 set out on a search with the theme "compass": the programme included more than thirty concerts, performances and installations over five days. They scrutinised supposed regularities and established listening habits – and caused quite a few compass needles to tremble.

Photos: Annette Boutellier