Mayor Henriette Reker and Head of Cultural Affairs Stefan Charles announced the appointment of Colombian conductor and violinist Andrés Orozco-Estrada to the position of Music Director of the City of Cologne and Gürzenich Kapellmeister.

In his new role, Orozco-Estrada will be responsible for the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne and the Cologne Opera. His tenure begins Sept. 2025.

Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker stated, “When Andrés Orozco-Estrada returned to the Gürzenich Orchestra at short notice in November 2022 for a project with acclaimed concerts, it was obvious that a special musical partnership was possible here. For the selection committee, he stood out from the high-quality field of candidates because he perfectly embodies the desired profile. With Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the city of Cologne has gained an extraordinary, innovative musician and communicator who impresses with energy, elegance, and spirit.”

Previously, the maestro was the Music Director of the Houston Symphony Orchestra (2014-22) and as well as Principal Conductor of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra (2014-21). He also served as Chief Conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra (2020-22). Guest conducting appearances include the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and more. Orozco-Estrada’s opera experience includes leading orchestras at the Berlin, Vienna State Operas, and the Salzburg Festival, among others.