The history of the Basel Chamber Orchestra - or Kammerorchester Basel (KOB) - dates back to 1984, when some graduates from various Swiss Conservatories decided to form an independent ensemble. The orchestra continues a tradition begun by Paul Sacher and his two chamber orchestras (Basel Chamber Orchestra and Collegium Musicum Zürich). In recent years, the orchestra has developed a considerable reputation for performing with a wide range of internationally renowned conductors and soloists. In addition to its own series of concerts at the Stadtcasino and the Martinskirche in Basel, it makes regular guest appearances all over Switzerland. Following his debut with the orchestra in 1999, Christopher Hogwood was appointed Principal Guest Conductor. Through its partnership with the SonyBMG/Arte Nova label, the KOB has embarked on a series of recordings with the thematic focus as well as with an emphasis on contemporary classics. The music on the first CD, produced in 2001, featured music from a concert programme from 1947, in which Paul Sacher and the Kammerorchester Basel gave the world premieres of works by Strawinsky, Martinu and Honegger. Another CD, with Christopher Hogwood and Emma Kirkby, focused on Britten and Strawinsky. A third, with neo-classical works with an Italian theme (Casella, Maliepiero, Stravinsky), was followed by CD number 4, containing works by Richard Strauss and Georges Bizet. The latest CD, released in September 2005, focused on Copland and Barber. Past highlights include performances in the new concert hall in Dortmund and Porto, at the “Festspielhaus” Bregenz, the “Festa da Musica” in Lisbon and the Istanbul Music Festival.