The Orchestra

The Saxon Symphony Orchestra Chemnitz (SSO) was founded in 1961. Rehearsals began with a string section of about 20 musicians. Over the following three years, the orchestra evolved into a full-fledged symphony orchestra. In the mid-60s, the orchestra gave its first concerts, which included symphony performances, folk concerts, and chamber concerts. Guest performances took the orchestra to Hungary, Poland, the present-day Czech Republic, and the Soviet Union. For many years, the orchestra maintained good contacts with General Music Director Kurt Masur and the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, which were highly beneficial for its work. Thanks to its remarkable performance level, the orchestra had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous famous artists.

After the political changes in East Germany in the early 1990s, the orchestra reestablished itself as a registered non-profit association in 1991. This was accompanied by the establishment of an entirely new organizational structure. Due to the determined efforts of its members, board, and artistic directors, the Saxon Symphony Orchestra Chemnitz (SSO) found its place again in the musical life of Chemnitz and the Saxony region after a few years. Mr. Jens Hofereiter served as conductor from 1991 to 1996, followed by Mr. Wolfgang Behrend from 1996 to 2002. From 2002 to 2023, Mr. MD Andreas Grohmann led the SSO as its artistic director, guiding the orchestra to outstanding quality with numerous programs of various genres. Since July 2023, Mr. Michael Pauser has been directing the orchestra.

The orchestra comprises approximately 70 members and performs with a complete symphonic lineup. Alongside various other engagements, the orchestra holds two concerts annually in the grand hall of the Stadthalle Chemnitz and boasts a broad concert repertoire.

The orchestra is a recognized member of the State Association of Saxon Amateur Orchestras (LSLO) and the Federal Association of German Amateur Orchestras (BDLO).