Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1972 by a group of musicians embracing anti-authoritarian ideals, stands out as a pioneering ensemble that performs without a conductor. With a roster of 25 to 30 members, the orchestra has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to classical music, premiering new compositions and collaborating with esteemed musicians. Their rehearsal process involves a concertmaster and rotating players determining interpretations before refining performances collectively, fostering an intense mutual attention akin to a string quartet.

Since the early 1980s, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra has established a strong presence in New York, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Riverside Church while expanding their repertoire to include contemporary works. With over 40 commissioned pieces and collaborations with renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Renée Fleming, the orchestra has gained international recognition, touring extensively and recording extensively on the Deutsche Grammophon label, including their 2019 album Mendelssohn featuring pianist Jan Lisiecki.