Robert-Schumann-Philharmonie Chemnitz

The Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra has one of the longest and richest traditions in Germany. Founded in 1833 by Wilhelm August Mejo as the first Chemnitz Municipal Orchestra, it became increasingly renowned, gaining national importance. Guest conductors such as Richard Strauss, Fritz Busch, Otto Klemperer, Bruno Walter, Erich Kleiber, Arthur Nikisch, Arnold Schönberg, Max Reger and Paul Hindemith performed at Chemnitz Opera House which opened in 1909. The orchestra was given its current name in 1983, in honour of its 150th anniversary. In recent years, numerous renowned guest conductors and soloists have performed in Chemnitz, including Hermann Bäumer, Stefan Blunier, Peter Eötvös, Bernd Glemser, Veronika Eberle, Xavier de Maistre and Alban Gerhardt. Guillermo García Calvo has been General Music Director of the Chemnitz Theatre and Principal Conductor of the orchestra since the beginning of the 2017/18 season. The Robert Schumann Philharmonic is much sought after as a partner by concert organisers, and guest performances have taken the orchestra to New York, Venice, Thessaloniki, Rome, Salzburg, several Spanish concert halls, the Tonhalle Zurich, the Brucknerhaus in Linz and many venues in Germany. The orchestra’s CD productions of opera and concert performances have repeatedly drawn national attention and attracted awards such as the Echo Klassik.