In the artist's words:

Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne - deeply rooted in the city, internationally renowned. With pioneering interpretations, innovative programs and a wide-ranging commitment beyond the concert hall, we are one of Germany's leading orchestras.

Founded in 1827 by the Concert-Gesellschaft Köln, we have been the orchestra of the city of Cologne since 1888 and delight over 100,000 visitors every year in the Cologne Philharmonie and in around 160 opera performances. Our history stretches back to the Middle Ages, and numerous important works have been premiered with us.

We look back with pride on our great past: outstanding works of the Romantic repertoire by Johannes Brahms, Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler were premiered with the Gürzenich Orchestra. Today, this legacy is an incentive for us and our conductors to build bridges to the music of the present day.

Around 150 top-class international musicians put their heart and soul into making us what we are: an orchestra at the highest level and with unlimited expressive possibilities. Full of joy and without fear of contact, we also leave the classical concert hall to inspire people creatively in the middle of society.
to inspire people creatively. With performances in institutions for senior citizens, kindergartens, workshops and school concerts, we inspire a wide variety of target groups for music.
Initiatives such as the Cologne Citizens' Orchestra and the Cologne Citizens' Choir invite people to actively participate. Of course, we are also active in the digital space: on our social media channels and in the media library, we offer concert live streams as well as other exciting insights into the world of the Gürzenich Orchestra.
Multiple award-winning CDs allow the world to experience our uniqueness as cultural ambassadors for the city of Cologne.

Around 150 top international musicians put their heart and soul into making us what we are: an orchestra at the highest level and with unlimited expressive possibilities. Full of joy and without fear of contact, we also leave the classical concert hall to inspire people creatively in the middle of society.
to inspire people creatively. With performances in institutions for senior citizens, kindergartens, workshops and school concerts, we inspire a wide variety of target groups for music.
Initiatives such as the Cologne Citizens' Orchestra and the Cologne Citizens' Choir invite people to actively participate. Of course, we are also active in the digital space: on our social media channels and in the media library, we offer concert live streams as well as other exciting insights into the world of the Gürzenich Orchestra.
Multiple award-winning CDs allow the world to experience our uniqueness as cultural ambassadors of the city of Cologne.