The Gürzenich Orchestra traces its origins to 1827, when a group of Cologne
Bürger sponsored the creation of the "
Cölner Concert-Gesellschaft" (Cologne Concert Society) to set up "
Gesellschaftskonzerte" (Society concerts) and "
Abonnementskonzerte" (subscription concerts). The orchestra began to give concerts at the Gürzenich concert hall in 1857, from which it derived its current name. In 1986, the orchestra took up residence at the
Kölner Philharmonie. The orchestra also plays in opera productions in the
Cologne Opera. In October 2018, the orchestra extended Roth's contract to 2022. In September 2022, the city of Cologne announced that Roth is to stand down as
Gürzenich-Kapellmeister at the close of the 2024–2025 season. In July 2024, in light of accusations against Roth of sexting and sexually inappropriate conduct towards other musicians, the city of Cologne announced the close of Roth's tenure as
Gürzenich-Kapellmeister and chief conductor of the
Cologne Opera with immediate effect, one season earlier than the previously scheduled tenure conclusion. In March 2023, the city of Köln announced the appointment of
Andrés Orozco-Estrada as its next GMD and
Gürzenich-Kapellmeister, effective with the 2025–2026 season. Also in March 2023,
Sakari Oramo first guest-conducted the orchestra. In October 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of Oramo to the newly-created position of 'Artistic Partner', effective with the 2025–2026 season, with an initial contract of five seasons. ==Premieres==