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Symphonie-Orchester Kurt Graunke is a classical music ensemble that was founded in Munich, Germany in 1945. The orchestra was named after its founder and first conductor, Kurt Graunke, who was a renowned German conductor and composer. Kurt Graunke was born in Munich in 1917 and began his musical career as a violinist. He later studied conducting with Hermann Abendroth and became a conductor for the Bavarian State Opera in 1943. After World War II, Graunke founded the Symphonie-Orchester Kurt Graunke with the aim of promoting classical music in post-war Germany. The orchestra's first concert was held on November 11, 1945, at the Herkulessaal in Munich. The program included works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and was well-received by the audience. The orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and became one of the leading orchestras in Germany. Over the years, the Symphonie-Orchester Kurt Graunke has had many notable members, including the violinist Wolfgang Schneiderhan and the cellist Janos Starker. The orchestra has also collaborated with many famous soloists, such as the pianist Wilhelm Kempff and the violinist Yehudi Menuhin. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 1958 World Exposition in Brussels, where it played for an audience of over 10,000 people. The orchestra also performed at the Salzburg Festival in 1960, where it played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony under the direction of Herbert von Karajan. In addition to its performances, the Symphonie-Orchester Kurt Graunke has also received many awards and honors. In 1956, the orchestra was awarded the Bavarian State Prize for Music, and in 1961, it was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for its recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The orchestra has also been recognized for its contributions to the cultural life of Munich and Germany. Kurt Graunke remained the conductor of the orchestra until his death in 2005. After his death, the orchestra continued to perform under the direction of other conductors, including Christoph Poppen and Ivan Repušić. Today, the Symphonie-Orchester Kurt Graunke continues to be one of the leading orchestras in Germany, and is known for its high-quality performances of classical music. The orchestra has a rich history and has played an important role in promoting classical music in Germany and around the world.

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