Founded in 2007, the AURIA European Chamber Orchestra is a professional touring chamber orchestra that was created from former members of the European Philharmonic Orchestra. After several performances and live recordings (of works such as Bruckner’s 5th and 9th Symphonies) with the orchestra, they took the initiative to establish their own small, high level chamber orchestra to be able to continue working together professionally.

The core of AURIA is made up of 10 musicians from seven different countries and additional musicians are invited as needed for special projects. All musicians work, live and collaborate across Europe and throughout the world, exploring artistic communication through music.

Inspired by each other’s musical qualities and cultural backgrounds, the members of AURIA share the vision that music has great power to bring people together from different nationalities and cultures. With concerts and international tours, AURIA demonstrates its belief that international collaboration and interaction can be truly rewarding.

The AURIA European Chamber Orchestra is an independent association that is registered in Italy. It organizes three tours per year, with a series of approximately 10 concerts on each tour. Each tour takes place in a different part of Europe and the world. In addition, AURIA reserves 10% of its concert schedule for performances in schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, etc. For these purposes, reduced price concert bookings are offered. Please contact the management for further information.

The AURIA European Chamber Orchestra will have its first tour in Italy in the summer of 2008. Founding artistic directors are Jaime Hutchinson (bassoon) and Esther Visser (violin).

In 2008, the concert programs will contain works from the following repertoire:

• Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): Serenade Nr. 1, op. 11 in D Major (version for double quintet)
• Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904): Bagatelle
• Franz Schubert (1797-1828): Octet D. 803, op. 166 in F Major