The Orchestra
Marburg Young Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in spring 1993. More than 80 members prepare one concert each term including famous works from the symphonic orchestral repertoire and outstanding soloists. The performances take place in the town hall of Marburg, at “Lutherische Pfarrkirche” (in church), or in Limburg, a city about 55 miles away from Marburg. Most members are students, but there are also friends of music such as pupils doing their A-levels or retirees joining us.
During the last three years we have performed symphonies by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Dvorák, Mozart, and Mendelssohn as well as solo concertos by Brahms, Beethoven, Wagner, Crusell, Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and so on. Other gigs include open-air concerts in the “Schlosspark” in the context of the city festival (“three days of Marburg”), accompanied by impressive fireworks.
Moreover, Marburg Young Philharmonic Orchestra has performed at city and university events. The members of Marburg Young Philharmonic Orchestra are also involved in various chamber music ensembles and actively contribute to the cultural life of Marburg. The orchestra went on tour in 1997 (to France), in 1998 (to Sweden) and in 2007 (to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania/Germany). Currently the orchestra is planning to go to Northampton/Great Britain in 2010.
Apart from that, the Marburg Chamber Orchestra, formed by members of Marburg Young Philharmonic Orchestra, regularly performs concerts in smaller ensembles, including broad programmes from Baroque to the modern era. These concerts take place in and around Marburg. The soloists usually are members of the orchestra itself or people from Marburg and surrounding areas.
From 1993 till 1997, the orchestra was conducted by Friedemann Koge, from the academic year 1997/8 till 2003 by Lorenz Nordmeyer, and from 2003/4 to 2006 by Kerry Jago. Since winter 2003/4 Kiril Stankow has been in charge of Marburg Young Philharmonic Orchestra.