orchestra

The orchestra of the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz is one of Munich’s leading musical ensembles, long distinguished by its musical versatility, stylistic flexibility, and the highest artistic standards. As the orchestra of a house dedicated to the full spectrum of musical theatre, the ensemble naturally moves between opera, operetta, musicals, and ballet ‒ bridging great tradition with a vibrant present. Its repertoire ranges from Baroque works to contemporary compositions, demanding an exceptionally broad stylistic range from its musicians.

Comprising 77 musicians, the orchestra serves not only as the musical backbone of the Gärtnerplatztheater but also as a standalone concert ensemble. It regularly presents symphonic and concert programs that extend well beyond the scope of theatrical productions. Since 2000, a dedicated chamber music series has further enriched the ensemble’s artistic profile, offering audiences intimate encounters with the musicians in a wide variety of instrumental combinations.

Guest performances have taken the orchestra on international tours to destinations including Mexico, China, and Japan. The ensemble captivates audiences not only through its precision and tonal refinement but also through the sheer joy of playing and the emotional immediacy characteristic of musical theatre performance. It is precisely this blend of dramatic expressive power and symphonic richness that defines the orchestra’s distinctive character.

The Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz itself boasts a long and storied history. Since opening in 1865 as the »Actien-Volkstheater«, the venue has stood for top-tier musical entertainment and quickly established itself as an integral part of Munich’s cultural life. To this day, the theatre holds a unique position within the German cultural landscape: it is the only state-run theatre in Germany with a programming focus on operetta and musicals alongside opera and dance. Over the decades, the orchestra has also been shaped by significant figures in music history. Composers such as Franz Lehár and Carl Millöcker conducted their own works here. Influential chief conductors have included Wolfgang Rennert, Franz Allers, David Stahl, Marco Comin, and Anthony Bramall. Since the 2023/2024 season, the Austrian-Argentine conductor Rubén Dubrovsky has been at the helm of the orchestra, setting new artistic directions that span historically informed performance practice, the operatic repertoire, and concert literature.

Mirjam Nix
Orchestra Management

Dirk Haase
Manager of the Orchestra Office

Konstantin Hristov
Secretary of the Orchestra Office

Anatoly Lomakin
Rares Pop
Orchestra Librarians

Clemens Weigel
Cornelius Rinderle
Franz Lichtenstern
Orchestra Board