WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne
The WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne is a German radio orchestra based in Cologne. It performs in two halls: the WDR Funkhaus Wallrafplatz and the Kölner Philharmonie. Founded in 1947 after World War II, it was first named the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester (Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra). The orchestra is known for 20th‑century and contemporary music and has premiered works by Berio, Henze, Kagel, Penderecki, Stockhausen and Zimmermann.
In its early years there was no permanent principal conductor; the first was Christoph von Dohnányi (1964–1969). In the 1990s it changed its name to WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln. Cristian Măcelaru served as chief conductor from 2019 to 2025 (initially a three-year contract, later extended to 2025). He will step down after the 2024–2025 season and become Artistic Partner for 2025–2026. Marie Jacquot first conducted with the orchestra in 2022 and was named its next chief conductor, starting in 2026–2027, becoming the first woman to hold the post. The orchestra has recorded for labels including Avie, Hänssler, Kairos, CPO and Wergo.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:20 (CET).