The Gulbenkian Orchestra

Originally established in 1962 as a modest Baroque ensemble in Lisbon, the group that would become the Gulbenkian Orchestra gradually enlarged its roster and broadened its stylistic reach across multiple eras. Its concert activities eventually extended well beyond Portugal.

Known at its inception as the Orquestra de Câmara Gulbenkian, the ensemble was also referred to for a time as the Gulbenkian Foundation Orchestra, Lisbon. It owed its existence to a philanthropic legacy from Calouste Gulbenkian, the petroleum industrialist and patron who created an arts-focused foundation in the Portuguese capital he had made his home. Beginning with twelve musicians and a continuo section suited to early music, the orchestra expanded to its current complement of sixty-six players. This growth permitted exploration of nineteenth-century scores as well as contemporary works. In Classical and early Romantic repertoire the musicians favor balances that reflect the composers’ original expectations, though period instruments are not employed. The orchestra maintains close ties with the Gulbenkian Choir under Michel Corboz and with the Gulbenkian Ballet.

From its earliest years the ensemble enjoyed recognition as an ensemble of exceptional caliber, and nearly every principal conductor has come from abroad. Extended leadership has been provided by Claudio Scimone from 1979 to 1986, by Muhai Tang from 1988 to 2001, and by Lawrence Foster from 2002 to 2013; Lorenzo Viotti has held the post since 2018. Regular performances take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, yet the orchestra also appears throughout Portugal and on tours that have reached Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The orchestra’s recording legacy stretches back decades. Its LPs from the 1960s and 1970s were familiar items in the Musical Heritage Society’s mail-order offerings. In more recent times the ensemble has released discs nearly every year on Nimbus, PentaTone Classics, and Naxos, among other imprints. A 2019 Naxos release featured the contemporary Portuguese composition Step Right Up by Vasco Mendonça.