The Chamber Orchestra of Europe (COE) was founded in 1981 by a group of young musicians who became acquainted as part of the European Community Youth Orchestra (now EUYO). There are now about 60 members of the COE, who pursue parallel careers as principals or section leaders of nationally-based orchestras, as eminent chamber musicians, and as tutors of music.
From the start, the COE’s identity was shaped by its partnerships with leading conductors and soloists. It was Claudio Abbado above all who served as an important mentor in the early years. Nikolaus Harnoncourt also had a major influence on the development of the COE through his performances and recordings of all of the Beethoven symphonies.
Currently the Orchestra works closely with Sir András Schiff and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, both Honorary Members alongside Bernard Haitink and Nikolaus and Alice Harnoncourt.
The COE has strong links with many of the major festivals and concert halls in Europe. In 2021, the COE became the first orchestra-in-residence at the Kronberg Academy's brand new Casals Forum. The COE has also been Orchestra-in-residence at the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt since 2022.
With more than 250 works in its discography, the COE’s CDs have won numerous international prizes, including two Grammys and three Gramophone Record of the Year Awards.
The COE is a private orchestra which receives invaluable financial support from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and a further number of Friends.
