Concerto Copenhagen: "Probably the best orchestra in the world"

In the early 18th century, Dresden shone like few other cities in Europe. At the court of Augustus the Strong, music flourished with a splendor and virtuosity that astonished the entire continent. The court orchestra that he assembled – which would later become the Staatskapelle Dresden – was said to be the best orchestra of the time.

The court orchestra consisted of a number of great musicians, all of whom composed music. The violinist, and reportedly one of the most skilled instrumentalists of the time, Johann Georg Pisendel, the flautists Pierre-Gabriel Buffardin and Johann Joachim Quantz, both of whom, in addition to playing and composing, also built flute instruments, the lute player Sylvius Leopold Weiss, who was a rival to J. S. Bach when it came to improvisation, and the bassist Jan Dismas Zelenka, who has been called the Catholic Bach because of his church music. They all united French grace, Italian fervour and German depth in one brilliant sound.

This concert brings the sounds of 18th-century Dresden to life with music written by the musicians of the unique court orchestra which ensured the honour of the state.

After the concert, you can join the artists from the stage for a long-table dinner in the Salon. Reserve a seat at the table when buying your ticket.

Concerto Copenhagen – ensemble for timeless music

For more than 30 years, Concerto Copenhagen has explored and performed the music of the Baroque, Viennese Classicism and early Romantic periods with historical awareness and artistic intransigence, and today the orchestra stands as an international beacon in its field. Musical director Lars Ulrik Mortensen and Concerto Copenhagen unite artistic authenticity and innovation, and through original interpretations give the music new life and relevance for a modern audience.

Concerto Copenhagen's musicians belong to the international elite of Baroque musicians, and the orchestra has been on an exciting artistic and musical journey since its first concerts in 1991 – appreciated and praised by audiences and critics worldwide. With a repertoire that combines well-known European music with lesser-known works of Scandinavian origin as well as new music, the orchestra marked its 30th anniversary in 2021, and was subsequently named Danish Radio's P2 Artist of the Year 2022.