Orchestra of the Nationaltheater Mannheim

The history of the Mannheim Orchestra dates back to the era of Kurfürst Carl Theodor, whose court orchestra was one of the most renowned ensembles in 18th-century Europe. With its finely graded dynamics, it shaped the »Mannheimer Schule« and set standards for the modern orchestral sound. Today, the orchestra represents Mannheim’s cultural openness, reflected both in its diverse audiences and its wide-ranging repertoire. Deeply rooted in tradition, it continues to place special emphasis on the works of Richard Wagner. In addition, the orchestra is dedicated to chamber music formats and maintains close partnerships with the Kunsthalle, the Mannheim University of Music, and the Mannheim Music School. As a member of the »Orchester des Wandels« initiative, it is committed to climate, environmental, and nature conservation. Renowned conductors such as Carl Maria von Weber, Hector Berlioz, Richard Wagner, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Erich Kleiber, Horst Stein, and Adam Fischer conducted the orchestra in the past. Since the 2023/24 season, Roberto Rizzi Brignoli has served as General Music Director.