Anniversary Season 25/26 & Chief Conductor Thomas Zehetmair Extends Through 29
80 Years of Pioneering Spirit: The Stuttgarter Kammerorchester Celebrates Its Anniversary and Extends with Chief Conductor Thomas Zehetmair
The Stuttgarter Kammerorchester celebrates its 80th Anniversary – and extends the artistic partnership with Chief Conductor Thomas Zehetmair until 2029.
In the 2025/26 season, the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra (SKO) celebrates its 80th anniversary – and continues to build on artistic continuity: Chief Conductor Thomas Zehetmair has extended his contract early through 2029. The jubilee season will focus on Johann Sebastian Bach, the ambitious “Beethoven-Projekt,” new sound formats, and renowned international guests.
With pride and a powerful artistic presence, the SKO looks back on eight decades of orchestral history – and forward with fresh energy: In its 80th season (2025/2026), the SKO not only celebrates this extraordinary founding milestone but also announces an important personnel decision: internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Thomas Zehetmair, who has shaped the orchestra’s profile since 2019 with analytical depth, artistic vision, and charismatic leadership, will remain at the helm through 2029. His early contract renewal underscores the orchestra’s commitment to continuity, artistic excellence, and a bold repertoire philosophy that builds bridges from historical performance practices to contemporary expression.
“The vision continues,” says Thomas Zehetmair. “Our shared search for artistic truth can deepen further. Familiarity in the best sense and mutual trust pave the way. Everything aligns: musicians of the highest caliber, a wonderful organization, our loyal and open-minded audience, and a fantastic city – it’s a stroke of luck!”
General Director Markus Korselt is equally pleased: “Thomas Zehetmair’s work with the SKO is defined by a pursuit of uncompromising artistic excellence and a willingness to take risks. He sets standards that will continue to inspire us and our audiences.” Chairman Friedrich Schock adds: “Thomas Zehetmair’s contract extension is a gift to all music lovers in Stuttgart: it ensures concert experiences of the highest artistic level – inspiring, demanding, and full of surprises.”
An Orchestra with History and Vision
Founded on September 18, 1945, by Karl Münchinger, the SKO was one of the first musical symbols of a new beginning in post-war Germany. Its international breakthrough came just four years later with the legendary “Paris Concert” of 1949 – a musical act of reconciliation. With tours around the globe and a discography that set benchmarks, the SKO became a flagship of the German music scene.
Today, eight decades later, the orchestra is younger, bolder, and more diverse than ever – while remaining true to its humanistic and artistic mission: to connect people through music. The SKO embraces modern digital innovations with world premieres that incorporate AI, holography, XR, and robotics. As a climate ambassador since 2022, the orchestra also advocates for a greener cultural sector.
In its anniversary season, the SKO bridges past and present, Baroque and contemporary, tradition and innovation.
Bach as the Red Thread
The season opens festively: on September 19, 2025, the SKO performs the historic “Paris Concert 1949” at Stuttgart’s Hospitalhof, under Thomas Zehetmair’s direction – featuring Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1–3 and the Concerto for Two Violins in D minor. Bach’s Brandenburgs were signature works in the orchestra’s early years and now bookend the anniversary season. The final concert, “Schöpfung Bach” (Creation Bach), a cross-genre production with electronic artist Sven Helbig in July 2026, brings a modern close to the celebrations. More of Bach’s music will be heard in the first Grosse-Wald Foundation concert at the New Palace, and in the mystical and richly colored “Echoes of Bach” with organist Kay Johannsen – blending Bach with music by David Bowie and Poulenc.
Sonic Excellence Meets Artistic Curiosity
A key ongoing highlight remains the multi-year “Beethoven Project,” in which all nine Beethoven symphonies will be performed under Zehetmair’s baton by 2027 and released in immersive Dolby Atmos sound under SKO records. Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8 are scheduled for October 3, 2025, with the recordings of Nos. 3 and 5 releasing in March.
Other season highlights include Pierre-Laurent Aimard performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 at the Epiphany Concert (January 6), Daniel Ottensamer with Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto (May), and celebrated soloists such as Tabea Zimmermann, Nils Mönkemeyer, and Ilya Gringolts. Five-time Grammy winner Bill Laurance will present “Bloom” – a genre-defying album weaving classical, jazz, and pop with the SKO.
In December, newly crowned First Prize Winner of the 2025 Queen Elisabeth Competition, Nikola Meeuwsen, will perform at the New Palace during the inaugural concert of the Wolfgang Carl Friedrich Grosse and Renate Elly Wald Foundation – a new platform for outstanding young talent that will continue annually in partnership with the SKO.
Anniversary Meets Innovation
With irresistible flair, the SKO continues its “Sternstunden” series – reimagining classical music: “Greatest Clicks” presents the most-streamed pieces from the SKO’s discography, humorously hosted by musical cabaret artist Lars Reichow. “Echoes of Bach” and Bill Laurance’s “Bloom” expand the spectrum. “Violin Road Stories” by Florian Willeitner merges Irish folk, Balkan rhythms, and Bavarian flair. The finale of the series, “Tango Passion,” features music by Piazzolla and Galliano.
Music for All – Education at Heart
Through its SKOhr-Labor education program, the orchestra remains closely connected with local communities. With school partnerships, concert education, and participatory projects like the “Seehaus Sessions” with young offenders from Seehaus Leonberg, the SKO explores new paths. At Christmastime, the SKO enchants young audiences with its own fairy-tale production of Snow White at the Wilhelma Theater.
Globally Present – Deeply Rooted in Stuttgart
Alongside tours to Japan, Poland, Amsterdam, and Zurich, the SKO shows its deep regional ties through innovative formats like the vibrant neighborhood music festival KiezMusik and numerous concerts across Baden-Württemberg.