The musicians of the MCO are managing to achieve the ideal of an orchestra. Their ensemble is free of artistic compromise, free from the routine of the everyday and lives the music.
I have been working with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra since 1997, because my requirements for making music can be met by this ensemble. I have known most of the musicians since their time in the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra and we have performed many beautiful concerts and operas together. Thus is it also important to me that the MCO is the heart of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra. The first ten years wouldn’t have been possible without the element “friendship”. The musicians are long lasting friends who come together for their concerts to celebrate the music. I would like to warmly recommend you this extraordinary orchestra with my whole heart and I hope that you will join them as a friend and new part of the family on this exciting journey.
Claudio Abbado
daniel harding
Over the last few years, I have shared many exciting and memorable musical experiences with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Together we have travelled the world, playing for operas and giving concerts, and we have worked together to create what we consider to be an ideal orchestra: a virtuosic ensemble with a wide range of repertoire, a distinct artistic personality, playing at the highest possible musical level. Today, our repertoire stretches from the baroque to contemporary music and includes chamber music, symphonies, opera and world premieres.
True artistic curiosity combined with the highest technical ability is what makes our orchestra extraordinary. It allows for limitless musical possibilities. Since we started on our journey in 1997 we have been working hard to make these possibilities a reality - and, of course, we hope fervently that we can continue this work for many years to come.
Your positive response to our work is an important confirmation of our efforts, and we are extremely proud of the many friends and supporters all over the world that we have gained over the years. If you wish to support our extraordinary and exciting ensemble, join us on our journey and become a supporter of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra!
