Staatskapelle Weimar is a classical music ensemble based in Weimar, Germany. It was founded in 1491, making it one of the oldest orchestras in the world. The ensemble has a rich history and has been associated with some of the greatest composers and conductors of all time. The ensemble was originally founded as the Hofkapelle Weimar, or the Weimar Court Orchestra. It was established by Duke Johann Ernst of Saxe-Weimar, who was a patron of the arts and a lover of music. The orchestra was initially made up of a small group of musicians who performed for the Duke and his court. Over time, the ensemble grew in size and reputation, and it became one of the most important orchestras in Germany. One of the most important figures in the history of Staatskapelle Weimar was Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach served as the court organist in Weimar from 1708 to 1717, and during this time he composed some of his most important works. He also conducted the Hofkapelle Weimar, and his influence can still be felt in the ensemble today. Another important figure in the history of Staatskapelle Weimar was Franz Liszt. Liszt served as the court conductor in Weimar from 1848 to 1861, and during this time he transformed the orchestra into one of the finest in Europe. He also composed many works for the ensemble, including his famous Faust Symphony. Over the years, many other famous composers and conductors have been associated with Staatskapelle Weimar. These include Richard Strauss, who conducted the ensemble in the premiere of his opera Salome in 1905, and Herbert von Karajan, who served as the ensemble's principal conductor from 1949 to 1951. Today, Staatskapelle Weimar is led by Kirill Karabits, who has been the ensemble's principal conductor since 2016. The ensemble is made up of around 120 musicians, and it performs a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque and Classical music to contemporary works. One of the highlights of Staatskapelle Weimar's recent history was its performance of Wagner's Ring Cycle in 2008. The ensemble performed the entire cycle over the course of four days, and the performances were widely praised for their musical excellence and dramatic power. Staatskapelle Weimar has also won many awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The ensemble has also been named Orchestra of the Year by the German music magazine Opernwelt several times. Overall, Staatskapelle Weimar is a truly remarkable ensemble with a rich history and a bright future. Its commitment to musical excellence and its dedication to preserving the traditions of classical music make it one of the most important orchestras in the world today.

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