© Holger Talinski
The Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne is opening a new chapter with the upcoming season: Under the leadership of its new chief conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the renowned ensemble is bringing a fresh perspective to the German Romantic repertoire – with works by Brahms, Mahler, and Strauss – while also setting groundbreaking priorities in talent development and social responsibility.
With his first season, Andrés Orozco-Estrada aims not only to revive the great tradition of the orchestra in the German Romantic repertoire but also to strengthen the connection between the orchestra and the city. It is particularly important to him to inspire all Cologne residents with music and to further anchor the orchestra in the city. A special highlight will be the season opener in the festive concert with Carl Orff's *Carmina Burana* and the Citizen's Choir, which he will perform together with the Gürzenich Orchestra. Additionally, the orchestra will accompany him to the Rheingau Music Festival, where Andrés Orozco-Estrada will be the featured musician of the festival.
“With the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne, I share a passion for expressiveness, depth, and tonal diversity. This orchestra has an exceptional tradition and openness at the same time. In our collaboration, I look forward to continuing and carrying forward this great history with the orchestra into the future. I am excited to create musical experiences that inspire, touch, and move with the musicians, the audience, and the city of Cologne,” says Orozco-Estrada.
“The start of our collaboration with Andrés Orozco-Estrada fills the Gürzenich Orchestra family and me with great joy and eager anticipation. He enchants us with his outstanding musicianship and charisma. I look forward to what lies ahead,” says Stefan Englert, Managing Director of the Gürzenich Orchestra.
The promotion of young talent has long been a central focus of the orchestra. The new chief conductor will also place special emphasis on this area. Starting in the 2025-26 season, a long-term collaboration with the Kronberg Academy will begin, presenting young talents in the orchestra’s concert programs over the next five years. In addition, a newly initiated composition competition will be launched, aimed at emerging artists. Furthermore, sustainable projects by the orchestra – ranging from social initiatives to environmental engagement – will mark the beginning of an intense collaboration between Andrés Orozco-Estrada and the Gürzenich Orchestra. This new chapter combines the orchestra’s rich musical tradition, known for major world premieres, with a modern responsibility for society and the environment.
Artistic Highlights and Notable Debuts
The 2025-26 season brings outstanding artists to the podium and stage of the Gürzenich Orchestra. The debuts of conductors Anna Bihlmaier, Jonathan Cohen, and Maxim Emelyanychev are eagerly awaited. The audience can also look forward to the continuation of existing partnerships: Sakari Oramo, as the Gürzenich Orchestra's Artistic Partner for the next five years, will conduct two concert weeks. Susanna Mälkki, Riccardo Minasi, and Elim Chan will return to the podium, while the former conducting assistant of the Gürzenich-Kapellmeister, Harry Ogg, will once again take the reins for a concert week.
The soloist lineup also promises extraordinary encounters: among others, Kirill Gerstein, Katia and Marielle Labèque, Christian Gerhaher, Christiane Karg, Veronika Eberle, Anu Komsi, and Maria Dueñas will be guest performers. Gautier Capuçon, one of the leading cellists of our time, will continue his close collaboration with the Gürzenich Orchestra.
Composer in Residence
With Thomas Adès, the Gürzenich-Orchestra Cologne welcomes one of the most exciting and influential composers of our time as Composer in Residence. The British artist, who has made a name for himself internationally as a composer, pianist, and conductor, captivates with music that combines clarity, drama, and rhythmic energy. In four concerts, the full spectrum of his work will unfold. Alongside Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Sakari Oramo and Harry Ogg will conduct, while Adès himself will lead one of the programs.
Music as Social Engagement: Sustainability and Social Responsibility
With two special concert projects, the Gürzenich-Orchestra Cologne highlights its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability in the 2025-26 season. The *Amazônia* program, in collaboration with Zurich Insurance, combines the powerful images of Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado with the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos and Philip Glass. Under the direction of Simone Menezes, a powerful statement will be made for the protection of the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous cultures.
The orchestra also demonstrates its social commitment with Johann Sebastian Bach's *Christmas Oratorio*, which this year will be performed in support of CASA HOGAR Deutschland e.V. The organization advocates for the education and rights of girls and women in Chocó, Colombia.
