Passionate performance style and an insatiable appetite for venturing are the trademarks of Concerto Köln. For over 30 years, the orchestra with the distinctive sound has ranked among the leading historically-informed performance practice ensembles. Concerto Köln is synonymous with outstanding interpretations of early music. Even though the focus remains on early music, the 2018/19 season will see the breadth of repertoire extend into the 19th century. Already launched in 2017, the project, “Wagner Readings” has caused quite a stir in the international music scene. The project involves examining Wagner's entire “Ring of the Nibelung” from an early music movement perspective and is the first attempt of its kind. The kick-off to the 2018/19 season includes two new CD releases and corresponding concert tours that feature young singers: the album, Caro gemello - Farinelli and Metastasio with the countertenor, Valer Sabadus, and Bach with the baritone, Benjamin Appl. Concerto Köln performs Bach's b-minor Mass at e.g. the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and additional concerts with various programs in numerous concert halls throughout Germany and Europe. Musical collaborations in the new season feature the violinist Guiliano Carminola, the soprano Simone Kermes, the concert designer Folkert Uhde, the harpsichordist Jean Rondeau and the violist Nils Mönkemeyer as well as conductors Kent Nagano and Andrea Marcon. Label contact: info@berlin-classics-music.com