Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Collegium Musicum Zürich is a classical music ensemble based in Zurich, Switzerland. The ensemble was founded in 1966 by Paul Sacher, a Swiss conductor and composer, with the aim of performing Baroque and Classical music on period instruments. The ensemble has since expanded its repertoire to include music from the Renaissance to the present day. The main members of the ensemble 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 is led by its artistic director, Matthias Kuhn, who is also a violinist and conductor. Over the years, Collegium Musicum Zürich has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Lucerne Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors and soloists, including Claudio Abbado, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Cecilia Bartoli. One of the highlights of Collegium Musicum Zürich's career was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Salzburg Festival in 2000. The performance was conducted by Claudio Abbado and featured a star-studded cast of soloists, including Thomas Quasthoff, Magdalena Kožená, and Christine Schäfer. The performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and it cemented Collegium Musicum Zürich's reputation as one of the world's leading Baroque ensembles. Another notable performance by Collegium Musicum Zürich was its collaboration with the Swiss composer Heinz Holliger on his oratorio "Sündenbock" (Scapegoat) in 2008. The oratorio, which was based on the biblical story of the scapegoat, was premiered at the Lucerne Festival and featured a large orchestra, choir, and soloists. The performance was highly acclaimed and won the Swiss Music Prize in 2009. In addition to its performances, Collegium Musicum Zürich has also recorded extensively. The ensemble has released over 50 recordings on various labels, including Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical, and Harmonia Mundi. Some of its most acclaimed recordings include Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, Mozart's Requiem, and Handel's Messiah. Collegium Musicum Zürich has received numerous awards and accolades throughout its career. In 2011, the ensemble was awarded the Swiss Grand Prix Music, the country's highest cultural award. The award recognized the ensemble's contribution to the Swiss music scene and its international reputation as one of the world's leading Baroque ensembles. In conclusion, Collegium Musicum Zürich is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the performance and recording of Baroque and Classical music on period instruments. The ensemble's founding by Paul Sacher in 1966 marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career that has seen it perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, collaborate with leading conductors and soloists, and win numerous awards and accolades. Collegium Musicum Zürich's commitment to excellence and its passion for music continue to inspire audiences around the world.

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