Orchestra Chur

ORCHESTRINACHUR was founded in 1994 by a small group of dedicated amateur and professional musicians led by Walter Blumer, in collaboration with the St. Martin church choir and its then-cantor, Heinz Girschweiler. In addition to performing for the parish, the orchestra organized its own concerts, primarily featuring works from the Baroque and Romantic periods, increasingly supplemented by pieces from the 20th century. The ensemble has been led by concertmaster Ruth Michael since its inception. The orchestra's membership of approximately 20 is augmented on a project basis with professional musicians and additional amateur musicians. Since becoming independent from the parish in 1999, the orchestra has presented two to three themed concert programs annually. Interdisciplinary projects have broadened the scope of its concert offerings. Collaborations with soloists from the region provide both emerging and established artists with opportunities to perform solo. In this way, ORCHESTRINACHUR has developed its own distinct profile and carved out a niche for itself within the local cultural landscape. Since 2012, the ensemble has been under the musical direction of cellist and conductor ANITA JEHLI.