Jean-Claude Zehnder

Jean-Claude Zehnder (born 1941) is a Swiss organist in church and concert, harpsichordist, and musicologist. In research and playing, he is focused on Baroque music, and has played and recorded at historic organs in Europe. He led the department for organ at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis from 1972 to 2006. His publications include books and music editions, such as organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Career Born in Winterthur, Zehnder studied at the conservatory of his hometown, at the University of Zurich, at the Musikakademie Wien with Anton Heiller, and in Amsterdam with Gustav Leonhardt. He was from 1966 church musician (organist and choral conductor) at the Protestant church in Frauenfeld, and taught organ and harpsichord at the Konservatorium Winterthur. He directed the organ class of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis from 1972 to 2006. He has worked internationally as a concert organist, lecturer of masterclasses and juror in organ competitions. He has lectured at the Sommerakademie für alte Musik in Innsbruck and has cofounded organ weeks in Arlesheim and Muri.

Publications Zehnder published books, articles for journals, and editions of music. He participated in a new edition of Bach's organ works by Breitkopf,