Helen Jennifer Gebhart

Helen Jennifer Gebhart is a PhD candidate and research assistant at the University of Basel's Department of Arts, Media, and Philosophy, specifically within the Musicology department under Prof. Hanna Walsdorf's chair. She conducts research as part of the SNSF-funded project The Night Side of Music. Towards a New Historiography of Musicking in Europe, 1500–1800, examining musical practices during nighttime in early modern Europe.

Her educational background includes a master's degree in Musicology and Anglophone Literature from the University of Basel and studies at the University of Vienna. Before pursuing her doctorate, she gained substantial professional experience in the music field through various positions including managing director for the Swiss Musicological Society, journal manager for the Swiss Journal of Musicology, and roles at the Paul Sacher Foundation and Gstaad Menuhin Festival.

Helen's research focuses on nocturnal music of the early modern era, music during and between the world wars, and music criticism. Her scholarly work connects historical music practices with contemporary social issues, particularly regarding discrimination in classical music performance and reception. Her master's thesis examined Viktor Ullmann's engagement with Nazi Germany's condemnation of 'degenerate music,' demonstrating her interest in music under political oppression.

As a practicing musician, Helen is a member of the vocal ensemble Les Voix Basel and plays the violin. She contributes to the broader music community through her work as a music critic for publications including bz Basel, Schweizer Musikzeitung, Mizmorim Chamber Music Festival, and Kammerorchester Basel. Her recent publication Eine Zauberflöte ohne Diskriminierung addresses representation issues in classical music performance.