The Folkwang Kammerorchester Essen is a chamber orchestra historically formed mostly by students of the Folkwang University in Essen, Germany, and other Musikhochschulen in North Rhine-Westphalia, to prepare them for a future position in an orchestra; however, it currently employs a core of permanent members from all over Germany and the world. Members are auditioned and trialed as in a professional orchestra, and, if successful, are offered a permanent contract up to the age of 35. It was founded in 1958 by the director of the Folkwangschule Heinz Dressel. More than 500 musicians were since employed in opera- and symphony orchestras in Germany and abroad.[1]
| Folkwang Kammerorchester Essen | |
|---|---|
| Chamber orchestra | |
 Hall of the Villa Hügel where the orchestra traditionally performs | |
| Founded | 1958 by Heinz Dressel |
| Location | Essen, Germany |
| Principal conductor | Johannes Klumpp |
| Website | www |
The orchestra is the only one to perform regularly in the historic Villa Hügel.[1] Young soloists have been chosen to also enjoy a stage for their performances. Artists such as Christoph Eschenbach, Maria Kliegel, Nils Mönkemeyer, Sabine Meyer, Vadim Repin and Christian Tetzlaff appeared with the orchestra early in their career.[1] The orchestra has played also in Germany and Europe, including Austria, Italy, Lithuania, Switzerland. A 2010 tour led to Algeria. They have performed at festivals such as Rheingau Musik Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival and Schwetzinger Mozartfest.[1] The orchestra is a regular partner of the Essener Bachchor and has accompanied other choirs such as the Rheingauer Kantorei. Guest conductors have included Marc Piollet, Peter Schneider and Lothar Zagrosek.[1] In 2015, the orchestra played a charity concert at the Aachen Cathedral.[2] In the 2016/17 season, the orchestra scheduled concerts also in the Zeche Zollverein.[3]
Dressel was the first chief conductor, succeeded by Heribert Beissel, Alexander Schwinck, Karl-Heinz Bloemeke, Stefan Fraas and Achim Fiedler (from 2006). The current chief conductor, Johannes Klumpp, has held the position from 2013.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e "Folkwang Kammerorchester" (in German). Essen. Archived from the original on 16 November 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
- ^ Beaujean, Thomas (15 November 2016). "Folkwang Kammerorchester: neuer Chef und Dialog mit der Jugend". Aachener Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 15 November 2016.
- ^ Schürmann, Martina (31 May 2016). "Folkwang Kammerorchester: neuer Chef und Dialog mit der Jugend". Der Westen (in German). Retrieved 15 November 2016.
- ^ "Folkwang Kammerorchester: neuer Chef und Dialog mit der Jugend". lokalkompass.de (in German). Retrieved 9 November 2016.
External links edit
- Official website
- Die Orchestergeschichte (in German) vollgasinperfektion.de
- Pathétique/Smack My Bitch Up (Beethoven/The Prodigy) on YouTube
