The Cologne Chamber Orchestra, renowned for its extraordinary and sensitive interpretations, is the oldest chamber orchestra in Germany, celebrating its centenary in 2023.

A highly acclaimed guest performance tour in Switzerland with pianist Wilhelm Kempff in 1964 marked the beginning of the orchestra’s cooperation with international soloists, and it continues to collaborate with eminent artists.

Since 1988 the orchestra has given The Masterwork concert series at the Cologne Philharmonie, featuring artists such as Julia Fischer, Christoph Eschenbach, Christine Schäfer and Alban Gerhardt. In 1995 the orchestra began an association with Naxos that has resulted in an ever-expanding discography, and in March 2020 Christoph Poppen began a three-year project to record all the Mozart Masses alongside the Cologne Cathedral Vocal Ensemble, the Cologne Cathedral Choir and the Cologne Radio Choir for the label.

The orchestra has also appeared at renowned festivals including the Festival Internacional de Música de Marvão. Christoph Poppen has served as principal conductor since the 2013–14 season.

For more information, visit www.koelner-kammerorchester.de.