Mahler Chamber Orchestra

Founded in 1997, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO) is renowned for its unique sound, independent artistic identity, and agile, democratic structure, with governance shared between its musicians and managing office. Characterized by its chamber music style, the MCO boasts a diverse repertoire that spans from Viennese classical and early Romantic periods to contemporary works and world premieres. The orchestra has performed in over 40 countries across five continents, drawing significant artistic impulses from founding mentor Claudio Abbado and Conductor Laureate Daniel Harding. It collaborates with a network of Artistic Partners, including pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Yuja Wang, and violinist Pekka Kuusisto, under the leadership of concertmasters Matthew Truscott and José Maria Blumenschein. The MCO is committed to deepening audience engagement through offstage musical encounters and educational projects like Feel the Music, which introduces music to deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and the MCO Academy, aimed at nurturing young musicians. Each summer, it forms the core of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and participates in prestigious festivals and concert halls in Europe, with recent expansions including residencies and debut collaborations. The MCO's dedication to enriching lives through music and promoting inclusivity is evident in its innovative concert formats and international outreach efforts.