The Wiener Kammerorchester, also known as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Vienna, Austria. Founded in 1946, the orchestra has established itself as one of the leading chamber orchestras in the world, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The Wiener Kammerorchester was founded by conductor Ernst Märzendorfer, who served as its artistic director until 1979. The orchestra was initially formed as a small ensemble of string players, but over the years it has expanded to include wind and brass instruments as well. The orchestra's mission was to perform chamber music and orchestral works from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary music. The Wiener Kammerorchester has had many notable members over the years, including violinist Wolfgang Schneiderhan, who served as concertmaster from 1959 to 1965, and cellist Heinrich Schiff, who was a member of the orchestra from 1971 to 1981. Other notable members have included violinist Rainer Kuchl, who has served as concertmaster since 1991, and oboist Hansjörg Angerer, who has been a member of the orchestra since 1979. Over the years, the Wiener Kammerorchester has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the BBC Proms. The orchestra has also collaborated with many of the world's leading soloists, including pianist Martha Argerich, violinist Gidon Kremer, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. One of the highlights of the Wiener Kammerorchester's career was its performance at the 1955 Salzburg Festival, where it premiered the opera "The Marriage of Figaro" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The performance was a huge success, and helped to establish the orchestra's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in Europe. In addition to its many performances, the Wiener Kammerorchester has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1998, the orchestra was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, and in 2006 it was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services to the Republic of Austria. Today, the Wiener Kammerorchester continues to be one of the leading chamber orchestras in the world, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The orchestra's current artistic director is Stefan Vladar, a renowned pianist and conductor who has been with the orchestra since 2011. Under his leadership, the Wiener Kammerorchester continues to push the boundaries of classical music, while remaining true to its roots as a chamber orchestra dedicated to the performance of great music from the past and present.

More....