Das Cöllner Caféhaus Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1999 in Cologne, Germany. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of Viennese classical music, jazz, and popular music, which has earned it a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting ensembles in the classical music world. The ensemble was founded by four musicians: Andreas Schmitges (violin), Michael Poths (accordion), Thomas Schmitges (guitar), and Stefan Berger (double bass). All four musicians had extensive experience in classical music, but they were also passionate about exploring new musical styles and genres. They decided to form an ensemble that would allow them to combine their classical training with their love of jazz and popular music. The ensemble's name, Das Cöllner Caféhaus Ensemble, reflects its commitment to the Viennese caféhaus tradition, which was a popular gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and musicians in the early 20th century. The caféhaus was a place where people could come together to discuss ideas, listen to music, and enjoy good food and drink. The ensemble wanted to capture the spirit of this tradition in their music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that would appeal to a wide range of audiences. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded its repertoire to include a wide range of musical styles, from classical works by Mozart and Beethoven to jazz standards by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. They have also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists, including the German singer Max Raabe and the American jazz pianist Uri Caine. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. They were invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the tournament, which was held in Munich. The ensemble played a medley of popular German songs, including "Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit" and "Schöne Maid, hast du heut' für mich Zeit?", which were enthusiastically received by the crowd. Another notable performance was their appearance at the 2010 Rheingau Musik Festival, one of the largest classical music festivals in Europe. The ensemble performed a program of Viennese waltzes and polkas, which was a huge hit with the audience. They were also invited to perform at the festival's closing concert, where they played a selection of jazz and popular music. In addition to their live performances, the ensemble has also released several albums, including "Wiener Melange" (2002), "Caféhausmusik" (2005), and "Swingende Klassik" (2010). These albums have received critical acclaim and have helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading classical music ensembles in Germany. The ensemble has also received a number of awards and honors over the years. In 2003, they were awarded the German Record Critics' Award for their album "Wiener Melange". In 2007, they were awarded the Echo Klassik Award for their album "Caféhausmusik". The Echo Klassik Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the classical music world, and is given to musicians who have made outstanding contributions to the genre. In conclusion, Das Cöllner Caféhaus Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Their unique blend of Viennese classical music, jazz, and popular music has earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim.

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