The 8 Cellists of the Sinfonieorchester Basel is a classical music ensemble that is composed of eight cellists from the Sinfonieorchester Basel. The ensemble was founded in 2002 by cellist and conductor Thomas Demenga, who was the principal cellist of the Sinfonieorchester Basel at the time. The idea behind the ensemble was to showcase the versatility and beauty of the cello as a solo instrument and as part of an ensemble. The main members of the 8 Cellists of the Sinfonieorchester Basel are Thomas Demenga, Rafael Rosenfeld, Martin Birnstiel, Christoph Heesch, Andreas Hächler, David Riniker, Andreas Fleck, and Lukas Sieber. All of the members are accomplished cellists who have performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and ensembles. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance at the 2004 Lucerne Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by Bach, Vivaldi, and Piazzolla, which was met with critical acclaim. The ensemble's performance was described as "exquisite" and "mesmerizing" by critics and audience members alike. Another notable performance by the 8 Cellists of the Sinfonieorchester Basel was their collaboration with the Swiss jazz pianist and composer Nik Bärtsch. The ensemble and Bärtsch performed a program of original compositions that blended classical and jazz elements. The performance was praised for its innovative and daring approach to music-making. The 8 Cellists of the Sinfonieorchester Basel have also been recognized for their recordings. In 2006, the ensemble released their debut album, "Bach: The Cello Suites," which was praised for its technical precision and emotional depth. The album went on to win the Echo Klassik award for Best Chamber Music Recording. In addition to their performances and recordings, the 8 Cellists of the Sinfonieorchester Basel are also committed to music education. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young cellists, and they have been involved in outreach programs that bring classical music to underserved communities. Overall, the 8 Cellists of the Sinfonieorchester Basel are a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Their performances and recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and emotional depth, and their commitment to music education has helped to inspire the next generation of cellists and classical musicians.

More....