The Darmstadt Hofkapelle has been established by Wolgang Seelinger in 1977 based on the Chamber Orchestra of Darmstadt. Its musicians come together from all parts of Germany, depending on the type of work and its instrumentation. The ensemble gives regular concerts with the Concert Choir of Darmstadt, but it also presents orchestral concerts from works of different epochs. 

This orchestra is put together largely from young instrumentalists who are usually engaged in solo performances and small ensembles beyond the Darmstadt Hofkapelle. That is why it is of particular importance for these musicians to work in the orchestra. Accordingly, the joy and enthusiasm these musicians experience in playing with this ensemble is much and continuously shared by its audiences.

The instrumentalists, when working together on common productions of the Concert Choir of Darmstadt with the Darmstadt Hofkapelle, imitate the spoken articulation common to baroque times. The orchestra attempts to approach the manner in which the text is sung, trying to “breathe” in accordance to the voices.

The intense relationship between orchestra and choir has a profoundly positive effect on the homogeneity of the body of sound.

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Darmstadt

The Darmstadt Hofkapelle is the basis upon which the Philharmonic Orchestra of Darmstadt, also conducted by Wolfgang Seeliger is built. The strings, first class musicians from all of Germany are a central and constant part of the orchestra. Wood and brass musicians are engaged for specific musical requirements. The Philharmonic orchestra of Darmstadt performs often in partnership with the Concert Choir of Darmstadt, especially when a large orchestral assembly is necessary.