What is the Gewandhausorchestra?

Agreed, rankings are very subjective by nature. But if you don't know an artist, it's always interesting to know what mentions and awards he or she has already won.

The Gewandhausorchester Leipzig is the oldest civic concert orchestra in the world. The orchestra had its origins in the concert society called the "Grand Concert" founded by 16 merchants in 1743. And in its nearly 270 years of existence, it has won many awards.

In its 2008 orchestra ranking the British Gramophone Magazine considers the orchestra as one of the best worldwide. In 2009 it was named German "Brand of the century". In autumn 2010 the CD “Mendelssohn Discoveries” won the “Choc du mois” (Classica Magazine) and the “Diapason d'Or du mois” (Diapason Magazine). The same year its Kapellmeister Riccardo Chailly received the Alexander von Zemlinsky Award and the Orphée d'Or „Prix H. von Karajan". This list is far from exhaustive.

As I said, a ranking or award is always very subjective and of course, it doesn't guarantee you'll like the artist or orchestra. But when for years, critics seem to be that unanimous, you can bet that the quality of the orchestra is undisputable and that you should most probably have a go at a live experience.

To help you form an opinion about this fabulous orchestra (that's my personal opinion :-)), I would suggest you watch the videos in this blogpost. And if you like what you hear, you should join us on May 9, 2012!

Didier