[2] In 1970 the orchestra conducted a composition competition for its twentieth anniversary; the first prize was awarded to Ulrich Stranz.
[3] The orchestra has recorded numerous works of Johann Sebastian Bach with the Heinrich-Schütz-Chor Heilbronn and conductor Fritz Werner, including several cantatas, the Mass in B minor (in 1957), the St Matthew Passion (1958), the St John Passion (1960), the Christmas Oratorio (1963), and the Easter Oratorio (1964).
[4][5] It has been instrumental in premieres of works by Boris Blacher, Jean Françaix, Harald Genzmer, and Enjott Schneider.
[1] The orchestra has also recorded the twelve cello concertos of Luigi Boccherini with cellist Julius Berger, a professor at the University of Mainz.
A review stated: "Berger is ably assisted in this concerto with sensitive and polished accompaniments from the Southwest German Chamber Orchestra using modern instruments under Maestro Vladislav Czarnecki.