Concerto Köln is an ensemble specializing in the music of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Established in 1985, it emerged during a period marked by a growing interest in period instruments. Comprising mainly recent conservatory graduates from across Europe, the group embarked on tours throughout the continent, often gracing major festivals. In 1992, they founded the Cologne Festival of Early Music in collaboration with Deutschland Radio. Notably, they receive no government subsidies and operate without a permanent conductor, although they have an artistic director, Martin Sandhoff. Evgeny Sviridov is one of the concert masters.
Their repertoire spans from the early Baroque era through the Classical Era and extends into the nineteenth century, even encompassing composers like Wagner. Concerto Köln has also delved into collaborative projects, including recordings that juxtapose Turkish folk music with pieces in a Turkish style by composers such as Mozart. They have frequently recorded with renowned conductors like René Jacobs, Daniel Harding, Louis Langrée, David Stern, Ivor Bolton, Marcus Creed, Christopher Moulds, and Evelino Pidò.
