Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt (Symphony Orchestra)

Founded: 1842 – Frankfurt (Oder), Germany

Founded in 1842, Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt (= BSOF) with 86 musicians is the largest symphonic orchestra of the State of Brandenburg. The BSOF sees itself as the official musical ambassadors of the country, and adjusts its regional, national and international presence on the concert stages of this mission. The orchestra has appeared as a guest in recent years in Poland, Lithuania, Israel, Russia, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Holland, France and Japan.

Since the start of the 2007-2008 season, Howard Griffiths is Chief Conductor of the BSOF; in 2009 he was appointed General music Director. Together with the director Peter Sauerbaum, Howard Griffiths will substantially expand the already large range of the orchestra. In addition to the concerts in its native city of Frankfurt (Oder) the orchestra is also present in Brandenburg (concert series "Klassik unterwegs", "Familienkonzerte unterwegs"). Inter alia has been gor many years a guest at the Choriner Musiksommer (Chorin Summer of Music). The BSOF has also appeared in the entire Federal Republic. The orchestra provides an essential task in the performance of forgotten works and in the world premiere of works by new composers. It sees itself as a duty when it comes to supporting and promoting young artists: For many years, the BSOF makes music in the series "Jugend musiziert" or the "Dirigentenforum," and gives young artists opportunities to perform. Since 2002, the BSOF accompanies the annual opera gala of the Kammeroper Schloss Rheinsberg.

The increased national and international reputation of the BSOF proved itself not least in the guest performance at the Vatican in December 2008, when the orchestra appeared before Pope Benedict XVI and 8000 invited guests. Since the summer of 2010, the orchestra accompanies the annual children's opera at the Bayreuth Festival.

In addition to numerous CD recordings, the BSOF has recorded several film scores, the BSOF is a member of the European Film Philharmonic.

Musical Directors

Wolfgang Bothe (1971-1982)
Heinz Struve (1982-1986)
Andreas Wilhelm (1986-1989)
Nikos Athineos (1990-2000)
Heribert Beissel (2001-2007; now Honorary Conductor)
Howard Griffiths (2007-Present)

Source: Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt Website & German Wikipedia Website (May 2010), , English translation by Aryeh Oron (February 2011)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (February 2011)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Barbara Rucha

Orchestra

G.F. Handel: Brockes Passion, HWV 48 [TV Broadcast]

Links to other Sites

Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt (Official Website) [German]
Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt (Land Brandenburg) [German]

Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt (Oder) (Wikipedia) [German]