Bringing it All Back Home: Orpheus and Albrecht Mayer in Germany

On December 6, Orpheus will embark on a weeklong tour of Germany with Albrecht Mayer, making stops in Baden-Baden, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. As a German native—and principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic—it’s territory that Albrecht Mayer knows well. Yet this will be a different kind of homecoming for the oboe superstar: a concerto performance with Orpheus, which he affectionately called “truly the best chamber orchestra in the world” during his debut performance two years ago at Carnegie Hall.

On the upcoming tour, which follows our December 3 Carnegie Hall performance, Orpheus will perform some of the works heard that evening. In lieu of Bach’s Concerto for Oboe d’amore in A major, the group will bring Richard Strauss’ decadent and virtuosic Oboe Concerto, which some of you may recall from Mr. Mayer’s last appearance.

Orpheus has enjoyed a long history with German audiences. The orchestra was last in Germany as part of a European tour in February 2009, with pianist Jonathan Biss. Orpheus’ early popularity in Germany—as demonstrated by several multi-city tours and a 15-year contract with Deutsche Grammophon—launched the orchestra’s career on a global platform that continues to this day. “We relish the chance to perform Germanic repertoire for German audiences,” says artistic director and cellist Jonathan Spitz. “Generation after generation, they have grown up with these composers, and whether they love or hate the performance, they’ll make it clear. Fortunately we’ve been warmly received over the years!”

Touring is not only an opportunity to perform in fantastic German concert halls, but also a chance to experience the local culture and hospitality. “After a concert, the Köln Philharmonie hosts a tremendous party for the orchestra featuring the unique local beer of which they are justifiably proud. It is a great tradition we look forward to revisiting,” says Mr. Spitz.

Join us as we say bon voyage to the orchestra! Share your take on must-see sights, and hear from the musicians on tour here at blog.orpheusnyc.org.