Formed in 1981, by friends who were professional musicians from around Europe, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe wanted to establish itself as something unique, set apart from the humdrum chamber music they felt had prevailed over the history of classical music. The Chamber Orchestra of Europe has become highly regarded by former critics, and this is in large part due to the participation of eminent conductors, composers and musicians who have lent their efforts and names to making the dream a reality.
The Orchestra is 50 members strong and assembles for a calendar of appearances that numbers about 150 days annually, including a litany of festival engagements, recordings, individual concerts and a few tours, mostly in Europe and less frequently in Asia and the U.S. The schedule accommodates individual musicians' careers as soloists and principals of other distinguished orchestras. There is a basic encouragement from one to another and this attitude brings with it a vibrancy whenever the members gather as a group.
The COE has enjoyed success in concert halls throughout the world and has countless awards to its name, including a trio of Gramophone Records of The Year awards (Rossini's Viaggio a Reims opera, Schubert symphony cycle with Abbado, and Beethoven symphony cycle with Harnoncourt). The Orchestra is managed by an elected committee, consisting of four members who act under the direction of the chairman and general manager (responsible for artistic and financial development). The COE has gained vital relationships with such musical entities as Ferrara Musica in Italy, the Styriarte Festival in Graz, the Kammermusiksaal der Philharmonie in Berlin, and the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, along with associations like the Philharmonie (Cologne), the Cite de la Musique (Paris), the Festspielhaus of Baden-Baden, and the Salzburg Festival.
The Chamber Orchestra toured 15 European cities, recording and performing in a total of 70 concerts. The group has worked with notables such as Herbert Blomstedt, Pierre Boulez, Luciano Pavarotti, Christoph Eschenbach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Heinz Holliger, Gidon Kremer, and Andras Schiff.
;)
