Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg

The Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg, or Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra, has a long history as one of the leading symphonic ensembles in southwestern Germany, having collaborated in its early years with such figures as Richard Strauss and Clara Schumann. The orchestra has an old German double function, playing both symphonic music and providing operatic music for municipal theaters. The Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg was founded in 1887, evolving out of an earlier Philharmonic Association, a group of theatrical musicians, and a municipal band. The orchestra's first conductor was Wilhelm Bruch, who conducted a program of Wagner, Reinecke, and Liszt at the opening concert. The orchestra grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially when the new Freiburg Theater opened in 1910; the group has continued to perform there as well as in the Freiburg Concert Hall. Among the orchestra's conductors in the pre-World War II period was Franz Konwitschny, later conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. In later years, the Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg would often serve as a springboard to major posts for young conductors; music directors in the late 20th century include Marek Janowski (music director from 1973 to 1975), Ádám Fischer (1981-1983), and Donald Runnicles (1989-1993). Conductors have increasingly often come from outside Germany, including the Kwamé Ryan (2000-2003). The music director since 2008 has been Fabrice Bollon. The music directors have generally aimed for a balance between traditional and modern repertory in both the symphonic and operatic field. The Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg offers vigorous youth and school programs in addition to its regular symphonic schedule and about 80 opera performances annually. The group has made several recordings on the Naxos label, including, in 2019 and 2020, a two-album traversal of the four symphonies of Albéric Magnard, the "French Bruckner." ~ James Manheim