The Bamberg Soloists is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1992 in Bamberg, Germany. The group is made up of a core of 12 musicians, who are all soloists in their own right, and who come together to perform chamber music in a variety of configurations. The ensemble was founded by the violinist and conductor Antonello Manacorda, who was then the concertmaster of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. Manacorda had a vision of creating a flexible ensemble that could perform a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music, and that could adapt to different venues and audiences. The Bamberg Soloists quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosity, precision, and musicality, and they began to perform regularly in Germany and abroad. They have since become one of the most acclaimed chamber ensembles in Europe, with a busy concert schedule and a discography that includes over 20 recordings. The core members of the Bamberg Soloists are all highly accomplished musicians, with extensive experience as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral players. They include Antonello Manacorda (violin), Anne Katharina Schreiber (violin), Sebastian Krunnies (viola), Janne Saksala (cello), and Johannes Gutfleisch (double bass), among others. One of the highlights of the Bamberg Soloists' career was their performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1999, where they played a program of Mozart, Schubert, and Mendelssohn. The concert was a critical and popular success, and it helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading chamber groups in Europe. Another notable performance by the Bamberg Soloists was their collaboration with the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim in 2006. Barenboim conducted the ensemble in a program of Mozart and Beethoven, and he also played the piano in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20. The concert was a highlight of the Berlin State Opera's season, and it was praised for its energy, precision, and musicality. The Bamberg Soloists have also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2001, they received the Echo Klassik award for their recording of Mozart's Divertimento in E-flat major, K. 563. They have also been awarded the German Record Critics' Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, among others. In addition to their concert and recording activities, the Bamberg Soloists are also committed to music education and outreach. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have developed a program called "Music for All," which brings classical music to underserved communities and schools. Overall, the Bamberg Soloists are a dynamic and versatile ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of chamber music. With their virtuosity, musicality, and commitment to excellence, they continue to inspire audiences and musicians around the world.

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