Stuttgarter Kammerorchester
The Stuttgarter Kammerorchester, also known as the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, is a renowned German chamber orchestra based in Stuttgart. It was founded in 1945 by Karl Münchinger, who served as its chief conductor until 1987. The orchestra is known for its distinctive sound and has been a model for many other ensembles. Its principal concert venue is the Liederhalle in Stuttgart.
Under the leadership of various conductors, including Dennis Russell Davies, Michael Hofstetter, and Matthias Foremny, the orchestra has expanded its repertoire to include contemporary music and historical performance practices. Since 2019, Thomas Zehetmair has been the principal conductor, guiding the orchestra in recording and performing all Beethoven symphonies from 2024 to 2027.
The orchestra performs approximately 90 concerts annually, including international tours, and is known for its innovative projects involving virtual and augmented reality, AI, and hologram concerts. In 2022, it became the first German orchestra to switch from paper sheet music to tablets, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and climate-conscious practices. The orchestra is supported by the state of Baden-Württemberg, the city of Stuttgart, and various sponsors and donors.