Switzerland smashes world record for the largest Alphorn ensemble
By Jan de Boer
On August 31, the mountains of Switzerland were alive with the sound of Alphorns. Over 1.000 musicians attended the massive recital in Nidwalden, smashing the world record for the largest ensemble of Alphorns.
Swiss break world record for largest Alphorn recital
In the mountain resort of Klewenalp in Canton Nidwalden, 1.006 Alphorn players from across the cantons took to the hills to play their instruments. Organised by the local mountain railway and the Swiss Yodeling Association, the event aimed to break the world record for the largest ensemble of Alphorns playing together.
Initially, it was hoped that around 555 players would attend, but nearly double chose to sign up for the event in just two months. Arranged in neat rows on the hill, the Alphorn players belted out five minutes of traditional Swiss and other Alpine songs, thereby securing the record:
Video: Franz Stephan / YouTube
The "highlight of my whole life" says Swiss Alphorn player
“This is an absolute highlight of my whole life”, Bernese Alphorn player Gabriela Jahn told SRF. “A heartfelt thank you to all the participants who made this great event possible. Together we have shown what you can achieve through solidarity and passion,” the Swiss Yodeling Association wrote in a statement.
Thumb image credit: Dave Primov / Shutterstock.com
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more