The Polish Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1972 under the Warsaw Chamber Opera. A group of 24 musicians with a desire to perform emerged from the ensemble playing chamber operas. The newly formed ensemble was led by a young conductor, Jerzy Maksymiuk. Conducted by the charismatic maestro, the Orchestra spread its wings and was recognized as one of the most interesting chamber ensembles. Soon the Vistula strings started going on international tours, performing with renowned soloists, and receiving great critical acclaim – all this brought them international recognition.
The Orchestra performed at such venues as Barbican Center and Albert Hall in London, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Kennedy Center in Washington, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City. It showcased many distinguished soloists, including James Galway, Gidon Kremer, Yehudi Menuhin, and Maxim Vengerov. It played under the batons of such conductors as Charles Dutoit, Yehudi Menuhin, and Mstislav Rostropovich, among others. The ensemble’s breakthrough moment came when its 1977 British tour resulted in a multi-record contract with EMI. The Orchestra won multiple awards, including the Wiener Flötenuhr for best Mozart recording.
In 1983 Jerzy Maksymiuk parted ways with the Polish Chamber Orchestra. This decision was the catalyst behind starting Sinfonia Varsovia in 1984. The Polish Chamber Orchestra was reactivated in 2002, when artistic directorship was taken on by the famous violinist Nigel Kennedy. His tenure ended in 2008. Since then, the ensemble has played without a permanent conductor. Since 1 January 2008 the Polish Chamber Orchestra operates under the auspices of Sinfonia Varsovia, a cultural institution of the capital city of Warsaw.
