Elizabeth
Sommers
fiddle, viola d’arco, violin, renaissance violin
Roots
I grew up in Rochester, New York.
Study
Seeking a thorough and challenging education in early music, I came to the Schola at the age of eighteen. Before that, I had studied at the Jacobs School of Music for a year.
Professional
I am very happy with my bachelor’s degree, and I still want to get a master’s. I am very happy that I have more and more opportunities to perform.
Why
It was an obvious choice. A passion like mine demands to be lived out.
Elective Affinities
I am especially inspired by the poetry of Seamus Heaney and Rainer Maria Rilke, proofreading and translation work, autumn walks, rainy weather, and the sound of bagpipes.





2026
January
Semper Dowland
Homage to the Master of MelancholyBarfüsserkirche, Historisches Museum Basel
February
Mit und ohne Haken
Harp parcoursPapiermühle – St. Alban-Kirche – Gasthof zum Goldenen Stern
March
Eisenhand
Oswald von WolkensteinBarfüsserkirche
Historisches Museum Basel
April
Regola Rubertina
Ganassis virtuosic ViolsBarfüsserkirche,
Historisches Museum Basel
May
Fleuster une chanson
Song & Dance in Attaingnant's PrintsJune
Ach, wie grausam – A que vile
Songs for a mysterious ladySa Nydeggkirche, Bern
Su Barfüsserkirche, Historisches Museum Basel