Cappella Istropolitana
Cappella Istropolitana is a distinguished Slovak chamber orchestra based in Bratislava, Slovakia. Founded in 1983 by members of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the ensemble initially began as a chamber orchestra and later expanded to perform the standard classical repertoire. The name "Cappella Istropolitana" is derived from "Istropolis," the ancient Greek name for Bratislava, reflecting the city's historical significance as a center of learning and culture.
The orchestra is renowned for its technical skill, high-quality sound, and stylistic sensitivity. Its members, many of whom are celebrated soloists, share a passion for music-making and often collaborate with famous conductors and interpreters. Cappella Istropolitana has become an integral part of both the domestic and international music scene, having performed in nearly all European countries, as well as in the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Macao, Hong Kong, Egypt, Israel, and New Zealand.
Cappella Istropolitana's extensive repertoire spans German and Italian Baroque works, classical and romantic music, and compositions from the 20th century. The orchestra has produced over 90 CDs, achieving high sales worldwide and earning critical acclaim, including two platinum discs. Notable recordings include "The Best of Baroque Music," J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, and a special 34-CD box set of Haydn's complete symphonies, released to mark the 200th anniversary of the composer's death.
In 1991, the City Council of Bratislava honored the orchestra by appointing it the "Chamber Orchestra of the City of Bratislava." The ensemble continues to captivate audiences globally, performing at prestigious festivals such as the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, Prague Spring Festival, and the Strasbourg Festival, among others. The orchestra operates without a principal conductor and has been directed by its concertmaster, violinist Robert Marecek, since 1996.