The Chamber Orchestra of the “George Enescu” Philharmonic is almost as old as the Society itself. The group includes the elite musicians that also play as part of the symphonic ensemble. It enjoys the same prestige as the Symphonic Orchestra. Among the famous conductors that have led this ensemble are to be found names such as Herbert von Karajan, Sergiu Celibidache, Carlos Kleiber, Zubin Mehta, and Seiji Ozawa. Since 1990 the permanent conductor of the Chamber Orchestra has been Cristian Mandeal
The structure of the group is mainly based on the accompaniment of string instruments (20 artists) and it adapts to the requirements imposed by the approached repertoire through the supplementation with various brass and wind instruments. As the Chamber Orchestra mainly approaches the pre-classical repertoire, it often includes the harpsichord and even the organ. However, the group’s repertoire stretches far beyond the pre-classical period and includes pieces from various musical styles such as classical, romantic and contemporary music by Romanian and foreign composers.
The ensemble periodically features Romanian and foreign guest conductors for concerts or recordings. The impressive list of recordings performed by this ensemble includes the Brandenburgische Konzerte by J. S. Bach, symphonies by J. Haydn, symphonies and solo concertos by W. A. Mozart, symphonies and Deutsche Tänze by F. Schubert, and other famous names. In addition, the ensemble’s discography features works by Romanian composers such as Theodor Rogalski, Constantin Silvestri, Paul Constantinescu and George Georgescu.
The extensive performance schedule of the Chamber Orchestra is reflected by its participation in many festivals, including various editions of the George Enescu International Music Festival, and by tours in Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland, Serbia, Macedonia, Belgium, Spain and Japan with conductors such as Cristian Mandeal, Ilarion Ionescu Galati, Nanse Gum, Horia Andreescu and soloists such as Henryk Szering, Ion Voicu, Alan Weiss, Anda Petrovici (current concertmaster of the Symphonic Orchestra), Nicolae Licareţ (organist, harpsichordist and pianist), Eugen Glavan and Adrian Petrescu (oboe). Regardless of its destination, the Chamber Orchestra was always invited to return, and the critics praise its exceptional artistic level.
The Chamber Orchestra of the “George Enescu” Philharmonic has performed recordings for Radio Romania and for record labels such as Electrecord, Euromusic and Samsung Classics.