Mahler Chamber Orchestra

Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO) was founded in 1997 based on the vision of a free and international ensemble, dedicated to creating and sharing exceptional experiences in classical music. With its core 45 members from 20 different countries, MCO works as a nomadic collective of passionate musicians uniting for tours in Europe and across the world. The orchestra has, to date, performed in over 40 countries across five continents. It is governed collectively by its management team and orchestra board; decisions are made democratically with the participation of all musicians.

MCO’s sound is characterized by the chamber music style of ensemble playing among its alert and distinct musical personalities. The orchestra received its most significant artistic impulses from its founding mentor, Claudio Abbado, and from Conductor Laureate Daniel Harding. As current Artistic Partners, pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Leif Ove Andsnes as well as violinist Pekka Kuusisto inspire and shape the orchestra in long-term collaborations. Con­certmaster Matthew Truscott leads and directs the orchestra regularly in chamber orchestra repertoire, while MCO’s longstanding collaboration with Artistic Advisor Daniele Gatti focuses on larger symphonic works.

The MCO musicians’ engagement with their audiences include Feel the Music, which opens the world of music to deaf and hard-of-hearing children through workshops in schools and concert halls. Through the MCO Academy, the orchestra works with young musicians to provide a high quality orchestral experience and a unique platform for international exchange.

MCO commenced its 2021–22 global season with its annual residency at the Lucerne Festival, performing with Yuja Wang, followed by the world premiere of George Benjamin’s Concerto for Orchestra at the BBC Proms. Immersing listeners in Mozart’s two most creative years, Leif Ove Andsnes reunited with MCO after their acclaimed album Mozart Momentum 1785 (Sony Classical).

With Mitsuko Uchida MCO will tour across Europe and from one US coastline to the other. The season also finds Igor Levit, Alina Ibragi­mova, and Elim Chan making their debuts. MCO will present Les Adieux with Patricia Kopatchinskaja, showcasing a visceral concert staging, and unveil pioneering new technologies that transform listeners’ encounters with recorded performances into even more intimate and inspiring experiences.