KÖLNER AKADEMIE
(THE COLOGNE ACADEMY)

The Kölner Akademie takes you on a journey through classical music: expressive, virtuosic and exact in every detail. The ensemble seeks to bring out the composers’ intentions by using urtext editions, historically informed performance practice, and the proper number of performers for each work.

From the baroque to the present, the wide ranging repertoire from this unique ensemble under the artistic direction of its internationally renowned conductor Michael Alexander Willens, has been awarded numerous prizes. Known and lesser known composers are impressively represented by this period instrumental ensemble.

Performances at international festivals, live television and radio broadcasts in connection with their highly acclaimed CD recordings have made the Kölner Akademie well-known far beyond their national borders. Apart from works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, the Ensemble shows their broad musical scope in full detail, especially with their series of world premiere recordings by undeservedly forgotten composers.

The Kölner Akademie has recorded complete sets of piano concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Weber and Mendelssohn with Ronald Brautigam for BIS records. All of these recordings have received outstanding international praise.

The Association:

Förderverein der
Kölner Akademie für klassische Musik e.­V.