Christoph of Bergen

Born in 1981 and grew up in Henggart, Christoph von Bergen received his first percussionist training at the Baraban rhythm school from Andreas Aeppli on the drum set as well as on classical percussion instruments.

After completing a commercial apprenticeship with a professional diploma at Usego AG in Winterthur, he began studying music at the University of Music and Theater Zurich (now ZHdK) in Winterthur with Heinz Hänggeli on classical percussion.

After completing his teaching diploma, he took the entrance examination and studied concert diploma at the Conservatoire neuchâtelois (new Haute école de musique de Genève) in La Chaux-de-Fonds with Pascal Pons, which he completed in summer 2009.

He started teaching while still a student. Christoph is currently a drum teacher at the Zurich Conservatory Music School and the Andelfingen Music School. It is important to him that the children make music in groups early on. Together with the Stadtjugendmusik Zürich, he has succeeded in building up two drum ensembles, which he has been leading successfully for several years. He also plays regularly with brass bands, wind orchestras and symphony orchestras as well as a soloist and in chamber music formations.

It is important for Christoph to pass on his extensive knowledge and experience. He is a sought-after specialist for section rehearsals and workshops, as well as a register teacher for music camps. In addition, he is also involved on a voluntary basis: he is President of the Brass Band Henggart and, as a percussion expert, member of the board of the Zurich Wind Music Association (ZBV). With his "Association for Percussive Art Wyland" he campaigns for the promotion and dissemination of percussionist craft in the region.

Christoph is married, has two children and lives in Uster.