Zürcher Barockorchester is a classical music ensemble based in Zurich, Switzerland. The ensemble was founded in 1995 by the Swiss conductor and harpsichordist, Ludger Rémy. The ensemble specializes in performing Baroque music on period instruments, and has gained a reputation for its historically informed performances. The founding of Zürcher Barockorchester was a result of Ludger Rémy's passion for Baroque music and his desire to create an ensemble that would perform this music in a historically accurate way. Rémy had previously worked with other Baroque ensembles, but felt that there was a need for an ensemble that would focus exclusively on Baroque music and use period instruments. The ensemble's main members are a group of highly skilled musicians who specialize in playing period instruments. These include violins, violas, cellos, double basses, flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani, and harpsichords. The ensemble's musicians come from all over Europe and are chosen for their expertise in Baroque music and their ability to play period instruments. Zürcher Barockorchester has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Lucerne Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned soloists, including Andreas Scholl, Cecilia Bartoli, and Philippe Jaroussky. One of the highlights of Zürcher Barockorchester's career was its performance of Handel's oratorio, "Messiah," at the Salzburg Festival in 2009. The performance was conducted by Ludger Rémy and featured soloists including soprano Sandrine Piau, mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg, tenor Topi Lehtipuu, and bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni. The performance was highly acclaimed and received a standing ovation from the audience. Another notable performance by Zürcher Barockorchester was its collaboration with the French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky in 2013. The ensemble and Jaroussky performed a program of Baroque arias by composers such as Handel, Vivaldi, and Porpora. The performance was praised for its virtuosity and emotional depth. Zürcher Barockorchester has also received many awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2010, the ensemble won the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Handel's "Messiah." The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Echo Klassik awards, including for its recordings of Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos" and Telemann's "Tafelmusik." In addition to its performances and recordings, Zürcher Barockorchester is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has collaborated with schools and universities to promote the study and performance of Baroque music. Overall, Zürcher Barockorchester is a highly respected and acclaimed ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and interpretation of Baroque music. The ensemble's commitment to historical accuracy and its virtuosic performances have earned it a loyal following and a place among the world's leading Baroque ensembles.

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