WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne

It has commissioned and premiered works from such composers as Luciano Berio, Hans Werner Henze, Mauricio Kagel, Krzysztof Penderecki, Karlheinz Stockhausen and Bernd Alois Zimmermann.

In May 2019, the orchestra announced the appointment of Măcelaru as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2019–2020 season, with an initial contract of 3 years.

In January 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of Jacquot as its next chief conductor, with effect from the 2026–2027 season, with an initial contract of 4 years.

The orchestra has recorded commercially for such labels as Avie,[5] Hänssler,[6][7] Kairos,[8] CPO,[9] and Wergo.

[10] Media related to WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln at Wikimedia Commons

Rehearsal of the orchestra with Hans Rosbaud in the Großer Sendesaal (Great Hall) of the WDR, Cologne (1954)