FestspielOrchester Göttingen

The FestpielOrchester Göttingen (FOG) has convinced audiences and critics alike since its foundation in 2006, and it is especially appreciated for the richness of its tone color and its light, flexible and sensual sound. The FOG includes specialists in authentic period performance practice from such internationally famous early music ensembles as Les Arts Florissants, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Concerto Köln, the Freiburger Barockorchester, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra (San Francisco), Il Complesso Barocco, and the Orchestra of the 18th century. Under the direction of Nicholas McGegan they have become a homogeneous ensemble, which has confirmed the reputation of the Internationale Händel-FestspieIe Göttingen as an innovative and first class festival. During the 2008 festival season the orchestra has taken part in the oratorio Samson, giving guest performances in Dresden, Hanover, Kassel and Halle/Saale, which aroused enthusiasm in both the audiences and the press: “The Göttinger play like gods” wrote a critic in the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung following the concert in Halle/Saale. During the Handel celebration year 2009, the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death, the FestspielOrchester Göttingen is taking part in a staged opera production at venues including the Drottningholm Slotstheater in Sweden.