The Bamberg Symphony is the only world-renowned orchestra that is not based in a major metropolis. The orchestra is known worldwide for its characteristically dark, somber, and warm sound, sharing the musical echo of its home town with the world since 1946. With almost 7,500 concerts in over 500 cities and 64 countries, they have become a cultural ambassador for Germany. The Bamberg Symphony therefore describe their mission in short words as 'resonating worldwide'.
The circumstances of its founding make the Bamberg Symphony a mirror of German history: in 1946, ex-members of Prague's German Philharmonic Orchestra met fellow musicians in Bamberg. Starting with the Prague orchestra, the orchestra's lineage can be trace to the 18th century, reaching as far back as Mahler and Mozart.
Bamberg Symphony revisits its historic roots more than 75 years after it was founded, with Czech-born Jakub Hrůša as their fifth Chief conductor, leading the orchestra since September 2016.