KRAN is an improvisation and experimental music ensemble based in Bern (CH).

The ensemble looks for music that is created in the moment, characterized by a sense of intimacy, rawness, and authenticity. As far away as possible from clichés and learned gestures, the focus is on direct interaction and musical communication between the four musicians. KRAN is particularly interested in the relationship between sound and the physical motion involved in its creation. The musicians try to think of music in a larger context, exploring new sound structures and improvisational concepts at this boundary. The result is a fascinating mixture of musical choreographies, unexpected noises and unique textures out of airy, wooden, plucked and voiced sounds.

Founded by Mara Probst and Johannes Feuchter in 2017 and initially involving projects with up to twelve musicians, KRAN is since 2021 a quartet formed by Aurora Pajón Fernández (ES), Ilmārs Šterns (LV), Mathilde Bernard (FR), and Noel Schmidlin (CH).

KRAN has played at numerous venues, such as the improv festival zoom in Bern and FIM Basel. The ensemble plays both purely acoustic and amplified concerts.

Aurora Pajón Fernández – flutes 

Ilmārs Šterns – voice & gestures 

Mathilde Bernard – harp

Noel Schmidlin – violin