
Concert Society Cologne
A success story spanning almost two hundred years is a good reason for pride and joy: since its foundation in 1827 by music-loving citizens of Cologne, the Concert Society has been promoting musical life in the cathedral city.
This has remained unchanged to this day. The Concert Society consists of private individuals as well as prominent companies. They are united by the goal of supporting the multifaceted work of the Gürzenich Orchestra and thus strengthening its national and international recognition. The Gürzenich Orchestra is firmly rooted on the Rhine, yet open to the world, carrying the name of Cologne beyond its borders.
The activities of the Concert Society and its members are diverse: they support the orchestra in its ongoing efforts to perform at the highest level, bringing renowned soloists and distinguished guest conductors to Cologne, and realizing ambitious programs. Musical offerings for children and young people are particularly close to their hearts, and the opening season concert has become an essential tradition in Cologne.
Those who want to be at the top tomorrow cannot afford to miss out on excellent training today. For this reason, the Concert Society, initiated by François-Xavier Roth and in collaboration with the orchestra board, founded the Orchestra Academy of the Gürzenich Orchestra. This initiative serves as a talent forge for highly gifted instrumentalists at the end of their studies: as academicians, they can gain their first experiences in a top-tier orchestra under the guidance of experienced members of the Gürzenich Orchestra. Many of the 42 academicians from 15 countries who have participated so far now hold renowned positions internationally. Recently, a Steinway grand piano was acquired to support the work of these young professionals.
Become a member
As a member of the Concert Society, you will experience the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne up close. To this end, you are invited to orchestra rehearsals where you can personally meet conductors, soloists, and orchestra musicians. The annual exclusive chamber concert for the Concert Society also offers an opportunity for such encounters.
Joining the non-profit association requires a written declaration with an annual donation of at least €100 for individual membership, €150 for couple memberships, and €750 for supporters.
Curators typically contribute from €5,000 per year.
Please contact us for a personalized offer.
Please fill out the application form and send it with your original signature by post to:
Concert-Gesellschaft Köln e.V.
Verein zur Förderung des Gürzenich-Orchesters Köln
c/o Gürzenich-Orchester
Bischofsgartenstraße 1
50667 Köln
Your benefits
As a member of the Concert-Gesellschaft, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- Invitations to orchestra rehearsals with the opportunity for personal exchanges with orchestra members and conductors
- A personal introduction to the new season
- Invitations to exclusive chamber concerts for members of the Concert-Gesellschaft only
- Advanced ticket pre-sale for all Gürzenich-Orchester concerts
- Participation in organized concert trips with the Gürzenich-Orchester Köln
As a Patron of the Concert-Gesellschaft (additional benefits):
- Participation in "Concert & Encounters" with a Meet and Greet in the artist foyer (2x per year)
- Optional mention in regular publications of the Gürzenich-Orchester Köln
- Exclusive individual ticket ordering service
As Curators of the Concert Society (additional benefits):
- Invitations to exclusive receptions at the Hotel Excelsior Ernst
- The opportunity to organize private events with musicians and scholarship holders of the orchestra
- The opportunity to arrange customized events tailored to your needs with musicians and scholarship holders of the Gürzenich Orchestra