News

08. September 2026

Gürzenich-Orchestra awarded »Healthy Orchestra« certificate

The Kapfenburg Castle Foundation’s project enhances the health literacy and resilience of professional musicians and integrates prevention into the orchestra’s day-to-day routine in a sustainable way. On 7 September, the Gürzenich-Orchestra was certified as a »healthy orchestra«.

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01. September 2026

Andrés Orozco-Estrada about the power of music

How can music reach people who otherwise rarely, if ever, come into contact with classical music? In an interview with the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Chief Conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada talks about musical participation, the responsibility of an orchestra, and why the Gürzenich Orchestra also brings its music to the city’s children.

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22. June 2026

Anna Lucia Richter receives the Opus Classical Music Prize

Following her win at the 2026 BBC Music Magazine Awards, Anna Lucia Richter has been awarded the 2026 Opus Klassik in the »Singer of the Year« category. The award was based on her recording »Songs of Fate« (Myrios Classics) with the Gürzenich Orchestra, conducted by Jordan de Souza.

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22. April 2026

aspekte report: How the Orchestra Academy supports young musicians

Music can heal, but it can also make you ill. Katty Salié explores how artists can break down under the strain – and how music can become a source of torment. In this episode, she visits, among other things, a workshop with our orchestra trainees to learn how to deal professionally with mental strain and the pressure to perform – whether on stage or in the orchestra pit.

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13. April 2026

»With this conductor, the Gürzenich Orchestra even manages to pull off Sibelius«

Markus Schwering of the Kölner Stadtanzeiger reports on the subscription concert »Sagenhaft«.

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13. March 2026

Andrés Orozco-Estrada and Stefan Englert in conversation

Almost a year after taking up his post as General Music Director of the City of Cologne and Gürzenich Kapellmeister, Andrés Orozco-Estrada talks about his first months as Kapellmeister and General Music Director. He talks about his special connection to the Gürzenich Orchestra, the diversity of the programmes – from Bartók to Brahms to contemporary music – and new formats such as the lecture concerts. He also provides insights into his work with audiences and young talents. A fascinating look at sound, contrasts and the vision for the 26/27 season.

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05. January 2026

1001 Nights – Orchestral music in memory of Adenauer

On 11 January 2026, the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne will perform works from One Thousand and One Nights. Beforehand, Lord Mayor Torsten Burmester will pay tribute to the 150th birthday of Konrad Adenauer, Lord Mayor of Cologne and first Chancellor of Germany.

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05. January 2026

45,000 euros donated to educational projects in Colombia

With its performances of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne not only set a festive musical tone, but also enabled concrete assistance together with its audience: €45,000 in donations will benefit the educational and protective work of Casa Hogar Deutschland e.V.

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10. November 2025

Christmas subscriptions now available

The festive season is approaching and the Gürzenich Orchestra cordially invites music lovers: the popular Christmas subscriptions are now available – three carefully curated subscriptions with 3, 4 or 5 concerts that promise the finest musical enjoyment, surprising musical moments and great emotions.

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03. November 2025

Cologne Citizens' Orchestra begins registration phase

The registration period for the Cologne Citizens' Orchestra begins on 14 November. Together with over 40 professional musicians, music-loving Cologne residents are preparing for a concert at the Philharmonie – with plenty of passion, enthusiasm for learning and enjoyment of playing together.

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