Facts & Quotes

Orpheus Facts
Orpheus Premiers
Orpheus Quotes

Orpheus Facts

Here is a gathering of some interesting tidbits about our organization. To learn more, please join us at our next outing or subscribe today.
A self-governing organization since its inception in 1972, Orpheus is committed to illuminating musical works of art, both old and new, for discriminating international audiences in a profoundly unique manner.
Rehearsing, performing and recording without a central authority figure, Orpheus musicians share leadership roles and a deep personal artistic commitment to forge strong emotional connections between the audience and the composer while eliminating any barrier between the listener and the music.
Orpheus won a Grammy Award in 2001 for Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures. The Orchestra has recorded extensively for Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical, Verve, BMG, Decca, RCA Red Seal and Nonesuch, producing more than 70 discs.
Upcoming releases include a collaboration with Joshua Bell entitled Romance of the Violin, which will be available on DVD and video from Sony Classical.
For over 25 years, the Orchestra has performed a series of concerts at Carnegie Hall in addition to touring the United States, Europe and Asia.
Orpheus has collaborated with many great artists including: Gidon Kremer, Gil Shaham, Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Goode, Radu Lupu, Joshua Bell, Martha Argerich, Anne Sophie von Otter, Dawn Upshaw, and Renee Fleming.
Reflecting its commitment to expanding the chamber orchestra repertoire, Orpheus has premiered works by: Elliot Carter, John Adams, Osvaldo Golijov, Gunther Schuller, Robert Aldridge, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and Jacob Druckman.
Orpheus' innovative educational programming, in conjunction with PS 133, the Manhattan School for Children, MS 54, and Baruch College Campus High School, brings musicians into the classrooms, engaging the students in various aspects of classical music. Working together with the teachers, Orpheus integrates musical concepts into each subject across the curriculum.
Through these programs, Orpheus empowers students to be the link between the family and Carnegie Hall. Last season more than 1,000 students and their parents attended Orpheus concerts at Carnegie Hall.