Zurich Orchestra Association
The OVZ was founded in 1913. Under distinguished musicians such as Hermann Hoffmann (1894–1968), Robert Blum (1900–1994), Ernst Hess (1912–1968), and under the long-term direction of Ladislaus Rybach (1961–2013), it developed into a high-performing ensemble. Since January 2014, the OVZ has been under the direction of Gabriel Estarellas Pascual. Today, the orchestra consists primarily of skilled amateur musicians, supplemented by professional musicians in some sections. The OVZ's area of operation extends from Bülach, Dübendorf, Uster, Volketswil, Pfäffikon/ZH, Wetzikon, Hinwil, and Egg, through Küsnacht, Zumikon, Oberrieden, Richterswil, and Hausen am Albis, to Nottwil/LU, Unterägeri/ZG, Flüelen/UR, and Maienfeld/GR.
The OVZ also performs benefit concerts, for example for the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation (2003, 2007, 2009), for the Sighet Children's Hospital in Romania (2004), for the Swiss Alzheimer's Association (2005), for the Swiss Foundation for Organs in Romania (2006), and for the Utran Kili school project in Afghanistan (2012).
The repertoire is adapted to the orchestra's capabilities. Lesser-known works are deliberately included in the program, such as compositions by Albrechtsberger, M. Haydn, Koželuh, Rosetti, Süssmayr, and Friedrich Theodor Fröhlich. Some of these have been premiered by the OVZ. Contemporary music also has a firm place in the OVZ's repertoire. For example, works by modern Swiss composers are regularly featured, sometimes as world premieres (including works by Armin Schibler, Leo Nadelmann, Urban Derungs, and Fabian Müller). In addition to classical pieces, works from jazz and folk music are also performed.
Alongside renowned professional musicians, young talents are frequently engaged as soloists, thus giving them their first opportunities to perform with an orchestra. From the older generation, Esther Nyffenegger, Kurt Widmer, Verena Lutz, and Dieter Flury, and from the middle generation, Brigitte Lang, Sibylle Tschopp, and Mirjam Tschopp, among others, all made their early orchestral appearances with the OVZ. The list of soloists who have performed with the OVZ in the last 20 years includes well over 100 names.
The OVZ also performs benefit concerts, for example for the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation (2003, 2007, 2009), for the Sighet Children's Hospital in Romania (2004), for the Swiss Alzheimer's Association (2005), for the Swiss Foundation for Organs in Romania (2006), and for the Utran Kili school project in Afghanistan (2012).
The repertoire is adapted to the orchestra's capabilities. Lesser-known works are deliberately included in the program, such as compositions by Albrechtsberger, M. Haydn, Koželuh, Rosetti, Süssmayr, and Friedrich Theodor Fröhlich. Some of these have been premiered by the OVZ. Contemporary music also has a firm place in the OVZ's repertoire. For example, works by modern Swiss composers are regularly featured, sometimes as world premieres (including works by Armin Schibler, Leo Nadelmann, Urban Derungs, and Fabian Müller). In addition to classical pieces, works from jazz and folk music are also performed.
Alongside renowned professional musicians, young talents are frequently engaged as soloists, thus giving them their first opportunities to perform with an orchestra. From the older generation, Esther Nyffenegger, Kurt Widmer, Verena Lutz, and Dieter Flury, and from the middle generation, Brigitte Lang, Sibylle Tschopp, and Mirjam Tschopp, among others, all made their early orchestral appearances with the OVZ. The list of soloists who have performed with the OVZ in the last 20 years includes well over 100 names.
