The South Denmark Philharmonic, also known as the Sønderjyllands Symfoniorkester, is a classical music ensemble based in Aabenraa, Denmark. The orchestra was founded in 1961 as the Aabenraa Symphony Orchestra, and it has since grown to become one of the most respected orchestras in Denmark. The orchestra's founding members were a group of local musicians who shared a passion for classical music. They began rehearsing together in a small room in Aabenraa, and soon they were performing concerts in the local community. Over time, the orchestra grew in size and reputation, and it began to attract talented musicians from all over Denmark. Today, the South Denmark Philharmonic is made up of over 70 musicians, including some of the most talented instrumentalists in Denmark. The orchestra is led by chief conductor and artistic director, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, who has been with the orchestra since 2019. Szeps-Znaider is a renowned violinist and conductor, and he has worked with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Over the years, the South Denmark Philharmonic has performed a wide range of classical music, from the works of Bach and Beethoven to contemporary compositions by living composers. The orchestra has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including pianist Lang Lang and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. The orchestra was invited to perform as part of the Danish Pavilion's cultural program, and it played to a packed audience of over 1,000 people. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to raise the orchestra's profile on the international stage. In addition to its performances, the South Denmark Philharmonic has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious Danish Music Award for Best Classical Album for its recording of the music of Danish composer Carl Nielsen. The orchestra has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Gramophone Classical Music Award and the International Classical Music Award. Despite its many achievements, the South Denmark Philharmonic remains committed to its roots in the local community. The orchestra regularly performs concerts in Aabenraa and other towns and cities in the region, and it has a strong educational program that aims to inspire the next generation of musicians. In conclusion, the South Denmark Philharmonic is a world-class classical music ensemble with a rich history and a bright future. Its talented musicians, led by chief conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, have performed some of the most iconic works in the classical music canon, and they continue to push the boundaries of the genre with their collaborations with living composers. With its commitment to both excellence and community engagement, the South Denmark Philharmonic is a true cultural treasure of Denmark.

More....