Enrico Onofri

Conductor · Violinist

Enrico Onofri

Associated Conductor, Münchener Kammerorchester Associated Conductor, Orchestre National d'Auvergne Artistic Partner, Haydn Philharmonie Founder & Director, Imaginarium Ensemble

“A storm, a violent upheaval, a revolution. No sentimentalism, nowhere — brilliant opulence in the playing, a dazzling frenzy.”
Harmonia mundi
MKO · since 2022/23
The Times · Best of 2025

The Artist

Enrico Onofri is conductor, violinist and one of the most prominent figures in the field of historical performance practice.

As Associated Conductor of the Münchener Kammerorchester and Orchestre National d’Auvergne, he has established himself as a leading artistic partner in Europe’s orchestral landscape.

His artistic activities also include his roles as Artistic Partner of Haydn Philharmonie, Founder and Director of Imaginarium Ensemble and Music Director of the Real Câmara Baroque Orchestra.

Under his direction, orchestral performances have been widely praised for their energy, dramatic intensity and stylistic precision.

The collaboration between Onofri and the Münchener Kammerorchester has become particularly significant, extending through the orchestra’s 75th anniversary season.

Their first collaboration, SERENATA, featuring works by Mozart, received universal acclaim and was nominated for the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik für Orchestral Music.

LOVE & HATE · Beethoven and the Italians

Recorded by the Münchener Kammerorchester together with Enrico Onofri for Harmonia mundi, the project explores Beethoven’s relationship with Italian music.

The programme juxtaposes Beethoven’s Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Symphonies with works by Cherubini, Spontini and Rossini.

The concept presents Beethoven not as an isolated genius, but as part of a broader European artistic dialogue.

The first performances of Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony under Onofri in Munich generated strong critical praise and international attention.

Onofri’s repertoire spans symphonic works, opera, sacred music and historically informed performance, with programmes exploring Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Bach and Monteverdi.

His interpretations are marked by expressive contrasts, theatrical intensity and an exceptional sense of phrasing and orchestral colour.

Critical Praise

“The Münchener Kammerorchester shines under Enrico Onofri with Beethoven and Schönberg. Under his direction, the [Beethoven's] Fifth is a storm, a violent upheaval, a revolution. No sentimentalism, nowhere. No murmuring significance, but brilliant opulence in the playing, a dazzling frenzy, completely unsecured and therefore terrifically exciting. In the end, a hard-earned triumph - and applause like after a pop concert. ”
- Egbert Tholl, Süddeutsche Zeitung
“It is, ultimately, Enrico Onofri’s musical direction that makes the production shine. Dynamic throughout the evening, he leads the orchestra - in superb form - with infectious energy, meticulous attention to detail, and brisk tempi that create seamless transitions. His interpretation brings out a beautiful sense of phrasing that also elevates the choir, which is excellent, fully engaged, and, for once, seamlessly integrated into the staging. ”
- Claude Jottrand, Forum Opera

Programmes & Repertoire

Beethoven, Schubert

The Lightness, The Darkness

Mozart, Schubert

Symphony No. 40 · Symphony No. 3

Places

Mendelssohn · Mozart · Beethoven

Miracles

Haydn · Mozart · Schubert

Oratorio & Choral Repertoire

Bach · Mozart · Rossini · Monteverdi

Featured Projects

Harmonia mundi

LOVE & HATE Recording Project

MKO Collaboration

Extended through 75th Anniversary Season

SERENATA

Mozart Recording with MKO

Historical Performance

International Touring Projects

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery