The Cologne Chamber Orchestra is renowned for its sensitive and exceptional interpretations. Founded in 1923 with the aim of interpreting works in authentic and faithful ways, it was initially led by Hermann Abendroth and later Erich Kraack, with Helmut Müller-Brühl becoming conductor in 1963. An acclaimed tour of Switzerland with guest pianist Wilhelm Kempff in 1964 marked the beginning of the orchestra’s collaborations with numerous internationally renowned soloists, and the orchestra has subsequently toured Europe, North and South America and Asia. The Cologne Chamber Orchestra has been organising its own subscription series, Das Meisterwerk, in the Cologne Philharmonie for over 30 years.

Germany’s oldest chamber orchestra, it celebrated its 100th birthday in March 2023 in the Cologne Philharmonie with outstanding soloists including Martha Argerich, Michael Barenboim, Mischa Maisky, Daniel Müller-Schott and Anne-Sophie Mutter. Over 200 recordings, radio and television productions document a repertoire of more than 500 masterpieces and rarities. In 2020, Christoph Poppen and the Cologne Chamber Orchestra began a project to record all of Mozart’s Masses alongside the Cologne Cathedral Vocal Ensemble, Cologne Cathedral Choir and the Cologne Radio Choir for Naxos. Christoph Poppen has served as principal conductor since the 2013–14 season.

Photo: Matthias Baus