Classical music from Mozart to Messiaen: that is the passion of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich – and has been since 1868. When it performs with Paavo Järvi, a special energy is generated, because every concert is a unique experience. The orchestra loves the diverse stimuli it receives from its guest conductors and enjoys being challenged by internationally acclaimed soloists. Along with its audience, the orchestra maintains a lively curiosity for unknown masterpieces and newly commissioned works. Founded by musicians from Zürich itself, the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich proclaims its musical home in its name and carries its excellent reputation around the world by means of tours and recordings.
The orchestra brings together musicians from 20 nations, and some 100 musicians play around 50 different programmes in over 100 concerts per season. Guest appearances have taken it to 100 cities in more than thirty countries. In addition to the orchestral projects, the musicians also create their own chamber music series. The music director Paavo Järvi is the eleventh principal conductor of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich; David Zinman is its conductor emeritus.
The orchestra has released more than forty recordings on CD. Under the baton of Paavo Järvi, it has recorded works by Messiaen (Diapason d’Or 2019), Tchaikovsky (Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik 2020, Diapason d’Or of the Year 2021), Adams (Diapason d’Or November 2022) and Bruckner (Diapason d’Or April 2023, ICMA-Award for best symphonic recording 2024). The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, together with Paavo Järvi, were awarded the 2022 European Cultural Prize.
