Bochumer Symphoniker


The Bochumer Symphoniker is a German orchestra based in Bochum. Its primary residence is the Anneliese Brost Musikforum Ruhr.

History

The orchestra was founded in 1918 originally as the Städtisches Orchester Bochum, at the same time as the Bochum Theatre, with the primary purpose to accompany theatrical productions. The orchestra gave its first public concert with conductor Rudolf Schulz-Dornburg, its first Generalmusikdirektor, on 20 May 1919.
Under GMD Klaus Nessträter, the orchestra received attention throughout Germany, especially for its operas. Between September 1944 and July 1945, the orchestra halted concerts. After the war, the orchestra resumed activity. At the opening of the theatre's new building in 1955, Paul Hindemith was guest conductor. The orchestra played for the grand opening of the World Exhibition Expo 58 in Brussels in 1958 with Franz-Paul Decker as music director.
During the chief conductorship of Yvon Baarspul, from 1964 to 1970, the size of the orchestra was increased by 17 musicians to a total of 80. As well, the orchestra was renamed the "Bochumer Symphoniker".
Eberhard Kloke served as GMD from 1988 to 1994. Kloke introduced contemporary music to the orchestra's repertoire and sought out new concert venues. In 1991, the orchestra played for the first time at the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum.
The current GMD of the orchestra, since 1994, is Steven Sloane. During Sloane's tenure, the orchestra has twice received the German Music Publishers' Association (Deutscher Musikverleger-Verband

General Music Directors