The Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO) was founded in 1997 by former members of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra and is dedicated to repertoire that ranges from works for larger ensemble through the symphonic literature to classical opera and world premieres. A total of 42 musicians from 22 nations form the core of this independently financed orchestra, which can also be augmented with additional forces as needed. Along with cofounder Claudio Abbado, Daniel Harding has had a lasting influence on the orchestra’s evolution, first as its principal guest conductor and then, as of 2003, as principal music director. Since 2008 he has been chief conductor. The orchestra had its breakthrough to international acclaim as early as 1998 with a new production of Don Giovanni at the Aix-en-Provence Festival, conducted by Claudio Abbado. Eminent productions that ensued have included Britten’s The Turn of the Screw (production by Luc Bondy) and of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (in the Irina Brook production), under the baton of Daniel Harding. Patrice Chéreau directed Mozart’s Così fan tutte (2005) and Janácek’s From the House of the Dead (2007) in productions that also appeared in Vienna and Amsterdam. The Mahler Chamber Orchestra gives two annual concert series in Ferrara, Italy. Since 2003 the musicians of the MCO have performed as guest artists with the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA, in addition to their own appearances as the MCO. Throughout its artistic development, the MCO has attracted renowned guest conductors and soloists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Philippe Herreweghe, Christopher Hogwood, and Paavo Järvi as well as Martha Argerich, Emanuel Ax, Cecilia Bartoli, and Christian Tetzlaff.
LUCERNE FESTIVAL debut: August 16, 2003 in works by Haydn, Kelterborn, and Schumann, with Daniel Harding conducting.