The Mahler Chamber Orchestra is thrilled to announce the world-renowned violist Antoine Tamestit as its Artistic Partner.
Antoine Tamestit has been a close friend of the orchestra for many years, both as soloist and chamber musician. He is “Artistic Friend” of the Musikwoche Hitzacker 2026, a festival that has been curated by the MCO since 2024. The orchestra annually invites an “Artistic Friend” to curate some of the concerts of the edition. One of the programs curated by Tamestit, carefully combining works by Bach, Schnittke, Hindemith and Shostakovich, will be repeated at the Berlin Philharmonie on March 2nd.
“I’m honored and inspired to become an Artistic Partner of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and join their ideals of music making. Whether performing Concertos, chamber music, or symphonic repertoire, what draws me to this orchestra is their rare unity: each musician leads and listens in equal measure, creating a dialogue that combines the intimacy and precision of a string quartet with the expressive breadth of an orchestra. It is this spirit of collaboration and communication that I am truly excited to share and develop together, through exciting and original programs”, says Antoine Tamestit.
“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Antoine Tamestit as Artistic Partner; not only a uniquely wonderful exponent of his instrument but a profoundly creative artist. Our collaboration will build on years of shared experiences and begins with a typically rich and evocative programme which we present as part of the Hitzacker Musikwoche and afterwards at the Berlin Philharmonie” states MCO concertmaster and board member Matthew Truscott.
“The orchestra is very independent in discussing the choice of Artistic Partners. But I’ve personally since many years been impressed by Antoine Tamestit’s musicianship and the creativity of his ideas. I very much look forward to starting a journey together with Antoine and the MCO to explore creative ideas and concepts, and I am convinced that Antoine’s and MCO’s artistic partnership will leave a mark.”, says Liisa Ketomäki, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.
Antoine Tamestit stands as a singular voice in the world of classical music, redefining what it means to be a viola player in the 21st century. He has captivated audiences and critics alike, bringing a fresh perspective to both beloved masterpieces and contemporary works. His unique artistry, marked by an unparalleled sensitivity and a profound connection to his instrument, places him among the most distinguished musicians of our time, attracting him to the most prestigious stages around the world.
Since its creation in 1997, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO) continuously keeps shaping its distinct sound, independent artistic identity, and agile and democratic structure. To this day, the MCO is still governed by its musicians in collaboration with its managing office. In addition to Conductor Laureate Daniel Harding, the MCO has Artistic Partners who form a network of renowned musicians and creative leaders who shape the orchestra's sound, programming, and artistic identity through long-term, deep collaborations. Key current partners include pianists Mitsuko Uchida, Yuja Wang, Augustin Hadelich and Artistic Partner for Immersive Experiences Henrik Oppermann.
The orchestra is constantly on the move in search of the next musical horizon. It has, to date, performed in over 40 countries across five continents. In January 2026, the orchestra just opened the World Economic Forum in Davos, accompanied Mercedes-Benz at the World Premiere of the new S-Class in Stuttgart as well as toured in Spain with Yuja Wang. In the beginning of February, the orchestra worked in the framework of its educational program MCO Academy with concerts in Essen, Dortmund and Cologne conducted by Riccardo Minasi. Later this spring, the MCO tours extensively in the US with Yuja Wang, and joins pianist Víkingur Ólafsson at his first edition at the Lucerne Festival Pulse. The Mahler Chamber Orchestra is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2027.
Press contact Antoine Tamestit
Ms. Aimee Chow
Joint Head of Artist Management
Intermusica
Email: achow@intermusica.com
Phone: +44 20 7608 9949
Press contact Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Ms. Annette zu Castell
Business Development Manager
Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Email: annette@mahlerchamber.com
Phone: +49 160 88 95 21 6
Ms. Liisa Ketomäki
Chief Executive Officer
Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Email: liisa@mahlerchamber.com
Phone: +358407406200
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