About Guerzenich-Orchester Koeln

The Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne is known for its pioneering interpretations and innovative programming. With more than 130 members, it is one of Ger many’s leading orchestras, at home both on the concert stage and in the opera. Since the 2015/16 season, François-Xavier Roth has been the orchestra’s chief conductor, with the titles Gürzenich-Kapellmeister and General Music Director of the city of Cologne. The historical roots of the orchestra reach back into the Middle Ages and the first permanent ensembles at the Cologne cathedral. In 1827, the Cologne Concert Society, made up of musicians and music-loving citizens, began to regularly present symphonic concerts, which after 1857 took place in the Gürzenich concert hall from which the orchestra takes its current name. In 1986, the orchestra took up residence in the Cologne Philharmonie, where it currently performs around 50 times a year for more than 100,000 listeners. The orchestra also performs more than 160 times each season in the Cologne Opera.