The Argovia Philharmonic is a classical music ensemble based in Aarau, Switzerland. Founded in 2004, the orchestra has quickly established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the country, known for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The idea for the Argovia Philharmonic was born out of a desire to create a professional orchestra in the canton of Aargau, which had previously lacked such an institution. The founding members, led by conductor and artistic director Douglas Bostock, were determined to create an ensemble that would not only perform the standard repertoire but also explore lesser-known works and collaborate with contemporary composers. The orchestra's first concert took place in September 2004, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. Since then, the ensemble has performed regularly in Aarau and throughout Switzerland, as well as in Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom. The Argovia Philharmonic is made up of around 60 musicians, many of whom are Swiss or German. The ensemble's principal players include concertmaster Andreas Janke, principal cellist Martin Merker, and principal horn player Stefan Dohr. The orchestra also collaborates with guest soloists and conductors, including pianist Stephen Hough, violinist Arabella Steinbacher, and conductor Howard Griffiths. One of the highlights of the Argovia Philharmonic's early years was its performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection," in 2007. The concert, which featured soprano soloist Juliane Banse and mezzo-soprano soloist Cornelia Kallisch, was hailed as a triumph by critics and audiences alike. The orchestra has since performed other major works by Mahler, including his Symphony No. 1 and Symphony No. 5. In addition to its performances of the standard repertoire, the Argovia Philharmonic has also championed contemporary music. The orchestra has commissioned and premiered works by Swiss composers such as Michael Pelzel and Daniel Schnyder, as well as international composers like Mark-Anthony Turnage and Brett Dean. The ensemble has also collaborated with jazz musicians, including saxophonist Branford Marsalis and pianist Uri Caine. The Argovia Philharmonic has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 2010, the orchestra was awarded the Swiss Music Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the country's musical culture. The ensemble has also been praised for its recordings, including its 2015 album of works by Swiss composer Frank Martin, which was named "Editor's Choice" by Gramophone magazine. In recent years, the Argovia Philharmonic has continued to expand its repertoire and reach. The orchestra has performed works by contemporary composers such as John Adams and Thomas Adès, as well as lesser-known works by composers like Franz Schreker and Hans Rott. The ensemble has also collaborated with other arts organizations, including the Aargauer Kunsthaus and the Ballett Theater Basel. Despite its relatively short history, the Argovia Philharmonic has established itself as a major force in the Swiss classical music scene. With its commitment to both the standard repertoire and new music, as well as its collaborations with other artists and organizations, the ensemble has proven itself to be a versatile and innovative ensemble that is sure to continue making waves in the years to come.

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