How the charity concert became a tradition – and a reflection of our work

At the end of the charity concert, when all the choirs gather on stage to sing ‘Prendre un enfant’, they embody what has defined the event from the outset: people of different generations, cultures and musical backgrounds who come together to create something greater. “For me, singing together symbolises the desire to make a difference together,” says SPOG Director Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller.

This principle also applies to childhood cancer research, which relies on the collaboration of many people and institutions. SPOG is responsible for clinical trials and research projects throughout Switzerland and collaborates with international partners. “Cancer in children and adolescents is a complex issue, and progress can be made only by working together. For me, the choral concert is a reflection of that”, says Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller.

The charity concert is about more than just the music. The event brings people together, raises awareness of the work carried out by SPOG, and connects people with childhood cancer research. “In the end, it’s always about people. Not only the people who are diagnosed with cancer and their families but also the people who can make a difference for them”, says Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller.

An idea becomes a tradition

At the outset, no one would have expected that the charity concert would become an integral part of SPOG. Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller wanted to organise a charity event and wrote to numerous choirs in Bern. At first, her efforts appeared to be in vain. “I put in quite a lot of effort, but nothing came back. No response at all”, she recalls.

She received help from Shu-Fang Hsu Schmitz, who was working at the Swiss Association for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) at the time. Shu-Fang Hsu Schmitz was already president of the Chinese Chiao-Ai Choir and had contacts with the Chorvereinigung Bern und Umgebung, a local choral association. This enabled her to recruit several choirs for the project. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to exchange ideas and network with other choirs”, she says.

The first edition of the charity concert in aid of SPOG finally took place on 9 June 2012 at the French Church in Bern. The event has been held every two years since then, and 2026 marked its seventh edition. This has been possible only thanks to the personal commitment of many people. In the early years, Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller’s daughter illustrated the programme leaflets with drawings of a princess and a bee. Shu-Fang Hsu Schmitz’s husband looked for sponsors to help fund the printing of the leaflets. Alongside the choirs, numerous volunteers help make the concert possible by providing organisational, technical and on-site support.

For Shu-Fang Hsu Schmitz, this commitment has long been part of the tradition surrounding the event. “After one charity concert, we already start thinking about the next one”, she says. The Chiao-Ai Choir has taken part from the very first concert, but the line-up has changed over the years as some choirs have left and others have joined.

A concert that reflects the spirit of SPOG

Over the years, a distinctive mix of music and cultures has emerged. In 2026, the Chiao-Ai Choir, the BOLLITT’o misto Choir, the Dreif Gospel Choir, the Maiglöggli Jegenstorf Yodelling Club, and the Children’s Choir of the International School of Berne presented a varied programme to more than 300 visitors. The event brought together people of different age groups, cultures, and musical styles.

Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller also sees this as a parallel with the work carried out by SPOG. “The philosophy of an organisation is to accomplish something together”, she says. The same applies to childhood cancer research. Experts, children’s cancer centres and research groups pool their knowledge to further improve treatment and quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer.

For Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller, Shu-Fang Hsu Schmitz and the Chiao-Ai Choir play a particularly important role in the project. “They are the backbone of everything”, says Isabelle Lamontagne-Müller. The choir has taken part in every concert and has come to represent the continuity of this tradition.

What began as a charity event has grown into a tradition that goes far beyond music. It raises the profile of SPOG’s work and brings together people who want to make a difference for children and adolescents with cancer. “We’re all very committed to this project. I hope we can carry on this tradition for many years to come”, says Isbaelle Lamontagne-Müller. The next charity concert is planned for 2028.