Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg
Wherever the Mozarteum Orchestra performs, it is acclaimed by audiences and critics for its refreshingly lively renderings. The symphony orchestra of the Town and the Province of Salzburg dating back to the Cathedral Music Society and Mozarteum, founded in 1841 with the support of Mozart's widow Constanze and their two sons is now a 90-strong ensemble, and one of Austria's leading orchestras, with a distinctive sound and style. Its renderings of the Viennese Classical repertoire, especially works by Mozart, have brought it worldwide fame. In 2016 it was the first orchestra, after the Vienna Philharmonic, to be awarded the Gold Mozart Medal in recognition of this achievement.
Over recent decades, distinguished principal conductors including Leopold Hager, Hans Graf, Hubert Soudant, Ivor Bolton and, most recently, Riccardo Minasi have contributed significantly to shaping the orchestra. Constantinos Carydis, Andrew Manze, Roberto González-Monjas, Jörg Widmann and conductor laureate Ivor Bolton – all regular guests – have particularly close ties with the celebrated ensemble. With its own regular series in the Mozarteum Foundation and the Large Festival Hall, and now also in its home Orchestra House, the Orchestra is a valuable asset to Salzburg's cultural landscape.
For over 90 years, the Orchestra has played an important role in the annual Salzburg Festival, particularly with the traditional Mozart Matinees, performing also at the Salzburg Mozart Week and as partner in the concert series of the Salzburg Kulturvereinigung [Cultural Association]. Year round, it accompanies the musical performances in the Salzburg Landestheater, and gives regular guest performances in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The repertoire, comprising virtually all periods of music, is documented in an impressive discography which includes several award-winning recordings.
