Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

About

One of the world’s foremost chamber orchestras. Based in NYC since 1972. Conductorless. Grammy-winner. Globetrotter. #orpheusnyc

Story

Orpheus believes in empowering the unique voice of all people to make a valuable contribution. Working together as a collective of leaders, members explore each other’s musical ideas using their signature collaborative method, the Orpheus Process®, and give flight to vibrant, unconventional interpretations. Orpheus performances unfold dynamically, moment-by-moment, creating an energy shared by musicians and audiences alike.

Now in its 46th year, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble was founded by a group of like-minded young musicians determined to combine the intimacy and warmth of a chamber ensemble with the richness of an orchestra and has performed without the use of a conductor since its inception. Musicians rotate leadership roles for all rehearsals and performances as well as organizational capacities such as programming and governance.

Orpheus has recorded over 70 albums on all major classical labels, including a February 2019 release on Deutsche Grammophon of Mendelssohn concertos with pianist Jan Lisiecki. The group has commissioned and premiered 49 new works for chamber orchestra. Orpheus presents an annual performance series in New York City featuring collaborations with world-class guest soloists. A touring ensemble, Orpheus has performed in major international venues across 167 cities in 46 countries across four continents and has appeared regularly in Japan for 30 years.

Orpheus is committed to sharing its collaborative Process® with communities worldwide through engagement programs that promote equity and access to classical music for all ages and demographics. These include underwritten concert tickets and in-class visits from musicians for K-12 NYC students, development programs for emerging professionals in the arts, and Orpheus Reflections, a music and wellness program for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia and their caregivers.

For more information about Orpheus please visit www.OrpheusNYC.org or call 212.896.1700.