A small ensemble with a big impact. (Süddeutsche Zeitung) The JEWISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA MUNICH was founded in 2005 by conductor Daniel Grossmann. Since then it has developed a unique profile: it presents itself as a contemporary Jewish voice that is internationally active on diverse stages. It travels unusual paths, constantly exploring new formats to bring contemporary Jewish culture to life so that everyone can hear, see and experience it — an internationally relevant approach that the orchestra has proudly and successfully carried into the world. In addition to many tours including those to Israel, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, North America and China, the JCOM has made an increasing number of appearances in Germany as an ambassador of Jewish culture: “With their fascinating and informative concert, the JCOM set a strong example against the systematic misinformation of demagogues and fundamentalists” (Bayerische Staatszeitung).

At the highest artistic level, the JEWISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA MUNICH maintains the rich Jewish musical tradition with a repertoire extending from baroque to contemporary. It performs rarely played works and those by forgotten Jewish composers, it also fills former locations of Jewish life with living culture. The orchestra regularly commissions works from the new generation of composers and maintains regular cooperations with diverse important cultural institutions such as the Bavarian State Opera.

Also in past years the orchestra has made a name for itself by accompanying silent films and established an extensive education program including projects on holocaust awareness for German students. In addition to its many recordings, i.e. with works by Alexander Zemlinsky, Paul Ben-Haim, John Cage and Mieczysław Weinberg (forthcoming), the JCOM runs its own YouTube channel (www.jcomtv.de) where it presents works by Jewish composers in highly professional recordings.