Badische Staatskapelle

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The Badische Staatskapelle is a symphony orchestra in Karlsruhe and part of the Badisches Staatstheater (Baden State Theatre). Its roots go back to 1662 as the Court Orchestra of the Margrave of Baden-Durlach.

Early leaders included Giuseppe Beniventi (1712–1718), Casimir Schweizelsberger, Johann Philipp Käfer, and Johann Melchior Molter, who led the orchestra for about 40 years. The group was disbanded in 1733 during conflicts with Poland. After being re-established in Karlsruhe, Molter became leader again in 1743 and stayed until his death in 1765.

Giacinto Sciatti then became Court Kapellmeister, followed by Joseph Aloys Schmittbaur after Sciatti’s death in 1777. Christian Franz Danner also served as Kapellmeister, and violinist/composer Johann Evangelist Brandl shared the post with Danner and later led alone.

In the 19th century, Franz Danzi became Hofkapellmeister in 1812, followed by Josef Strauss until 1863. Franz Pecháček led from 1826 to 1840. Hermann Levi became Hofkapellmeister in 1864, then Max Zenger briefly, and Felix Otto Dessoff from 1875. Felix Mottl supported Wagner’s music with the orchestra.

In the 20th century, the ensemble took its current name in 1933, and the title Hofkapellmeister became Generalmusikdirektor (GMD). The first GMD was Joseph Keilberth (1935–1940). After World War II, Otto Mazerath, Alexander Krannhals, and Arthur Grüber led the orchestra. Christof Perick was GMD from 1977 to 1985, followed by Günther Neuhold (1989–1995) and Kazushi Ono (1996–2002). Anthony Bramall served as GMD from 2002 to 2008, and Justin Brown became GMD in 2008.