Gürzenich-Kapellmeister ab 2025
Andrés Orozco-EstradaTogether with the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Cologne Opera, I want to rouse the musical enthusiasm of all citizens of Cologne, representing and presenting Cologne as a city of music in an international arena.
Andrés Orozco-EstradaHenriette Reker, the Mayor of the City of Cologne, and Stefan Charles, Head of the City’s Culture Department, presented the designated General Music Director of the City of Cologne and Gürzenich Kapellmeister on March 30, 2023. Starting in 2025, Andrés Orozco-Estrada will assume musical responsibility for the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne and the Cologne Opera – presuming the consent of the City’s Steering Committee.
Mayor Henriette Reker: »When Andrés Orozco-Estrada returned to the Gürzenich Orchestra at short notice in November 2022 for a project of acclaimed concerts, it was obvious that this could be a special musical partnership. From a field of highly qualified candidates, he stood out for the search commission, because he perfectly embodies the profile that was sought. In Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the City of Cologne gains an extraordinary, innovative musician and communicator whose energy, elegance and esprit are compelling.«
The head of the City’s Culture Department, Stefan Charles, is convinced: »With his musical integrity and authenticity, his broad repertoire ranging from the classical era to our own time, and his notable artistic passion, Andrés Orozco-Estrada will continue the development initiated by his predecessors, transforming the ensemble into one of the outstanding German orchestras while also making his own mark. At the Opera House on Offenbachplatz, he will give the audience unforgettable performances, and at the helm of the Gürzenich Orchestra he will increase the international renown of the cultural metropolis Cologne.«
Andrés Orozco-Estrada: »I am delighted to take up the position of General Music Director of the City of Cologne and Gürzenich Kapellmeister in 2025, working in one of the major European cultural metropolises and significantly influencing its artistic future. Together with the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Cologne Opera, I want to rouse the musical enthusiasm of all citizens of Cologne, representing and presenting Cologne as a city of music in an international arena. I am grateful to the City of Cologne for the trust it has placed in me and look forward to dedicating myself fully and passionately to this wonderful task.«
Stefan Englert, Managing Director of the Gürzenich Orchestra: »Andrés Orozco-Estrada as Gürzenich Kapellmeister from 2025 is a stroke of good fortune for our orchestra and Cologne as a city of music. His authentic, insightful and emotional interpretations of the masterworks of the symphonic repertoire inspire audiences and musicians alike. I am looking forward enormously to an inspiring collaboration and jointly developing the Gürzenich Orchestra further.«
The Gürzenich Orchestra also voices its enthusiasm: »After those inspiring concerts last November, we are delighted to have engaged Andrés Orozco-Estrada as an outstanding new General Music Director for us and the City of Cologne. Andrés Orozco-Estrada continues our successful series of outstanding Gürzenich Kapellmeisters in a positive way. We look forward to a shared future, wonderful projects, new artistic impulses, concerts and opera performances.«
In Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the City of Cologne gains an extraordinary, innovative musician and communicator whose energy, elegance and esprit are compelling.
Mayor Henriette Reker