Forte: A new era starts in 2002 with Ruben Gazarian

 

After celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2001, the WKO mapped out its gradual transition into the post- Faerber era. On 3 July 2002, it bade farewell to its maestro, appointing him honorary conductor – and on 18 September embarked upon a new chapter when Ruben Gazarian conducted the opening concert of the 2002/03 season.

 

There were also some major changes behind the scenes. Succeeding Kurt Lichdi, Hermann Bosch had successfully managed the WKO from 1979 until 2002. Werner Grau, who had spent eight years as the Mayor of Heilbronn and fiercely championed funding for the orchestra, became its first president on 1 January 2003 and for a while was also in charge of its management, with Bosch being made honorary president. In April 2006, Frank Druschel picked up the reins as the society's new manager.

 

New horizons: 50th anniversary of the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn

Counterpoint: Foundation on 6 November 1960

Opus 1: Debut concert on 13 January 1961

Stringendo: 'Württemberg' Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn

Unisono: World-travellers yet close to home

Duet: Encounters with soloists

A tempo: Faerber's 'search for authenticity'

Maestro: Founder, inspiration, guiding father, trustee, European

Forte: A new era starts in 2002 with Ruben Gazarian

Tutti: Social popularity

Vivace: Tradition and new musical worlds

Overture: Chronology of the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn