Helen Maier
Aargauer Kuratorium
2026
Helen Maier is a Swiss violinist and musician who captivates audiences with her infectious energy and stylistic openness. Raised on Klezmer and Gypsy music, she discovered her passion for the violin at an early age. After initially training as a chef, she went on to study jazz with a focus on folk music at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where she immersed herself deeply in folk traditions, with a particular emphasis on Nordic and Celtic folk as well as Swiss traditional music.
She has performed on numerous stages in Switzerland and abroad and has collaborated with renowned artists such as KUNZ, BLIGG and Philipp Fankhauser, as well as with her own bands, including Áed. As the bandleader of Helen Maier & The Folks, she blends traditional music with modern influences to create a distinctive sound — a high-energy fusion power folk band.
Awards such as the Goldene Lilie, funding support from the Aargauer Kuratorium, and the Swiss Music Award 2022 (with KUNZ) highlight her artistic work. Particular attention was drawn to the project Tavolata with BLIGG, which led to television appearances on SRF and sold-out concerts at the KKL Lucerne, where she performed as a soloist. Alongside her concert career, Helen Maier is also an inspiring violin teacher, dedicated to passing on musical diversity and the joy of making music.
Aargauer Kuratorium, Switzerland
Aargauer Kuratorium has worked in partnership with Acme to develop and provide a London-based artists' residency since 1999. Based in Bow, E3, the residency enables a wide spectrum of practitioners connected with the Canton of Aargau, Switzerland, to undertake two six month long work/live residencies per year. Artist application and selection are conducted directly by Aargauer Kuratorium.
For further information and application details see ag.ch/kuratorium
