Old Town Orchestra Zurich

It began modestly: In the summer of 1983, a dozen instrumentalists from the area surrounding Zurich's Grossmünster played a Sunday evening concert for the local residents, initially without a conductor, led from the piano by the founder, Pastor Hans Stickelberger (1938-2004). Rehearsals were held then, as they are now, in the chapel of the Helferei cultural center at Kirchgasse 13. The ensemble, named after its rehearsal space, was formally established as an association.

Anita Jehli has been the musical director since 2005. In recent years, the Old Town Orchestra has developed a unique repertoire by reviving forgotten orchestral music from all musical eras, thus carving out a niche for itself within Zurich's vibrant concert scene.

Throughout the year, the orchestra performs at several church services in all four Old Town churches—Fraumünster, Grossmünster, St. Peter, and the Church of Prediger—as well as at other community events. Further highlights are the concerts in January and June in one of the Old Town churches.

The Helferei Ensemble has steadily grown to around 40 string players with wind instruments: the ensemble has expanded into an orchestra! From January 2015, it was supported by the four church congregations of Zurich's Old Town. Since January 1, 2019, the Old Town Orchestra has been part of Church District One of the Old Town: the Helferei Ensemble has become the Old Town Orchestra.