As the only completely independent Orchestra in Germany, the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra promises you an exciting musical adventure.

Free of programmatic institutional and political constraints on artistic expression, the Orchestra is a devoted ensemble of 8 to 80 young musicians from all corners of the world whose only common language is- Music.

The independence of the Orchestra does, however, have its price.

The public’s regular visit alone ensures the existence of the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra.

It is not an ensemble that is subsided by tax money and that can guarantee its members a permanent position.

For this reason, it strives to play music that as Bach once said, is 'true' and not 'invented'. In other words, its artistic ideal is not that of the ‘genius' but that of the dedicated composer whose compositions are not arbitrary creations but rather the result of a careful study of sound both the high and the low. This helps explain its programme, which has been designed to meet the audience’s need to experience music that overcomes the contradictions of our world.

You would like to hear music that crosses borders but does not get bogged down in experimentation? Otherwise it will end up like the sorcerer's apprentice in Goethe's poem who loses all control. You are right to demand that an artist must master his craft before he enters new (musical) territory. Only then will you be prepared to hear unprecedented music.

This is what Vladimir Horowitz meant when he said: ‘The purpose of my piano recitals are not to teach, but to entertain.'

In this way he was able again and again to surprise and excite his audiences by unconventional but at the same time stylish performances.

It is with this in mind that Maestro Hartung and the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra are performing, to embark on a musical adventure together with the their audience...

It’s visits to almost every continent on earth has allowed their young musicians to gain vast experiences both as soloists and as orchestra players, which enables them to stand the test of concert performances for large audiences rising above themselves.

They have learned to see their excitement as an electrifing force reflected by the excited audience, which is thus part of the creative process. This leads to the re-creation of works of art and to the birth and growth of outstanding talent.

Only in this interaction between orchestra and audience can there be shining performances and passionate, masterly playing.

Be welcomed to our concerts which are  seen as a circus of sound in an arena of sincere feelings, of informal moments, and of the relaxed play of musical acrobats.

Come with us, share our feelings and give us and yourselves all of your positive energies!

 

The Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra (Junge Philharmonie Koeln) is at its core a professional Chamber Orchestra that is expanded to a Symphony Orchestra several times a year. The Orchestra is an independent organization and does not receive State subsidies. In today's musical world this is an unusual approach, at least in Germany where a comparable orchestra cannot be found.

Despite this fact or perhaps even because of it, the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra has been enchanting audiences for more than thirty years with its electrifying performance style.

Its numerous concerts have continually increased in recent years. By gradually finding its own style of interpretation, one that is characterized by spirit, vivacity and faithful rendition, the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra has also been able to win the hearts of people whose musical preferences previously did not include classical music.

Over the course of the last ten years, it also has felt the effects of globalization. Musicians from all over the world have made the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra their musical home. As early as 1990, musicians from over 50 countries were playing in the Orchestra. But who would then have thought that world-class Musicians from Columbia, Argentina or even South Africa would one day perform in Germany?

There is nothing unusual about this today for musicians can easily understand one another. Music, after all, is the only language that everyone understands.

A further sign of globalization is the growing number of tours abroad undertaken by the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra- The success of these tours shows that, classical music ‘Made In Germany" still or once again enjoys an excellent reputation abroad.

ln short, the continual growth of our audience figures proves that we are on the right path. Since our cooperation with the British virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy from 1997 to 1999, the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra has been widely seen as an orchestra that belongs in the upper echelons of classical music.

 

Volker Hartung assumed the position of chief conductor of the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra in 1986. He was trained in the tradition of German symphony orchestras and opera. Under the influence of the conductors Evgeny Mravinsky and Sergiu Celibidache, Hartung developed a special understanding of the French, German and Slavic musical traditions.

He was particular impressed by Arturo Toscanini and his influence on the American musical scene. The atmosphere and professionalism of musical training there was taken by Hartung as model for linking the spirituality of European music with the direct, Dionysian and Apollonian discipline and faithfulness of the American musical approach. Unlike many young conductors whose training was solely academic, Hartung has been active in all areas of music. In his early years he was a solo viola player and chamber musician in professional circles. He then proved his ability as a conductor, - Artistic director, and orchestra manager.

As a result, he has at his disposal an extensive repertoire that is continually growing and that he passes on to his musicians in intense rehearsals. In place of the widespread tendency towards specialization, Hartung offers his musicians a comprehensive musical programme. In addition to the historical, dramatic and symphonic traditions of western music, Hartung also devotes his energy to musical theatre and audiovisual media.

lnspired by his education in film studies in California' he is especially interested in interdisciplinary cultural cooperation. This includes not least film screenings with live performances of original film music, symphony programmes featuring the music of great film and entertainment composers, and ambitious multi-media projects. He is currently also developing the String Department and Orchestra at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore.