Playing in an orchestra – Cologne residents will soon be able to fulfil this dream again. The Cologne Citizens' Orchestra will be accepting new applications from 14 November.
The initiative is close to the hearts of the musicians of the Gürzenich Orchestra: more than 40 of them will work with the participants on the pieces and accompany them on their way to the big performance at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall.
The project offers music-loving amateurs the unique opportunity to play side by side with professional musicians. Both experienced instrumentalists and ambitious amateur musicians are welcome. Parts that are too difficult are adapted, and the experienced musicians support those who are less practised. There is no competition here: the focus is on the joy of learning, community and enthusiasm for making music.
The highlight of the project is the concert on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, conducted by Mariano Chiacchiarini. The programme includes rousing works from the great orchestral repertoire: from the lively overture from ‘The Gypsy Baron’ by Johann Strauss (son) to the first movement of Schubert's famous “Unfinished” symphony and Tchaikovsky's dance pieces from ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘The Nutcracker’. Popular dances by Brahms and Dvořák also ensure musical passion and joy of playing.
The registration period begins on 14 November 2025.
