Mahler Chamber Orchestra

The Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO), founded in 1997,has established a distinct sound and independent artistic identity. The Orchestra’s philosophy, inspired by founding mentor Claudio Abbado, emphasises the power of listening and communication both structurally
and musically; they call it »The Sound of Listening«. Itallows the Orchestra, its musicians and managing office,to operate as a democratic collective. Engaging with Artistic Partners, including Mitsuko Uchida, Yuja Wang, Pekka Kuusisto, Conductor Laureate Daniel Harding, Artistic Advisor Daniele Gatti, and Artistic Partner for Immersive Experiences Henrik Oppermann/Schallgeber; the MCO undertakes multiyear projects that explore diverse artistic themes.

With musicians representing 27 nationalities, residing in different parts of the world, the MCO reaches live audiences across 40 countries on fiive continents. The
Orchestra maintains residencies at renowned international venues including Carnegie Hall New York, Southbank Centre London, Lucerne Festival, Mozartwoche Salzburg, and Festival de Saint-Denis. They are frequent guests at Philharmonie Berlin, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg,
Concertgebouw Amsterdam and Musikverein Vienna.

In the realm of Outreach and Education, the MCO conducts three fllagship projects. The MCO Academy allows orchestra members to share their expertise with the next generation of musicians in collaboration with Orchesterzentrum|NRW and undertake residencies at Konzerthaus Dortmund, Kölner Philharmonie and the Philharmonie Essen. »Feel the Music« introduces music to deaf and hard-of-hearing children, encouraging a multi- sensory experience. And »Welcome Home«: a concert about fiinding the place where you belong, in
which school groups are invited on a multicultural journey, fostering introspection and contemplation on the theme of »Belonging«. These endeavours highlight the
MCO’s commitment to enriching lives through music and promoting inclusivity.

In collaboration with Artistic Partner for Immersive Experiences Henrik Oppermann/Schallgeber, the MCO explores new digital technologies in and beyond the
concert hall. Their virtual reality series immerses listeners deeper into performances and brings them closer to the music. The orchestra’s motivation and vision for the future is to constantly present new perspectives and make its own »Sound of Listening« tangible for as many
people as possible in different ways.