The London Years The European Master Orchestra was first organized in 1982. It was based in London; its offices were located at 40 Weetbourne Terrace, London, W2 3UH, England.
Two outstanding musicians played a critical role in EMO's formation: Violinist Henryk Szeryng, one of the most distinguished musicians of his generation and Sir Yehudi Menuhin. Szeryng wrote: The idea of the European Master Orchestra made it possible for musicians to affirm themselves as individuals and also to affirm the dream of a common language which supersedes frontiers and unites the nations of the world through the message of love and peace expressed in music.
(Henryk Szeryng, 1982)
The first concert was led by the legendary violinist and conductor Eugen Sarbu. It was given in London on November 29, 1982 at Royal Festival Hall. The concert created a sensation.
EMO's first recordings were made in France with company Auvidis. The repertoire included well known works of Vivaldi and Mozart. These were issued as high fidelity recordings and contributed considerably to EMO's reputation. Subsequently, EMO collaborated with RCA Records and later embarked on studio work, recording some eight sound tracks for various films.
Following the early years, EMO's reputation widened. The orchestra performed at many major arts festivals including the Olympic Arts Festival in Seoul in 1989 under the patronage of Miss. Catherine Lalumière, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The orchestra performed to high critical acclaim. At the time it was lead by the South Korean conductor Nanse Gum who served as its new Music Director and Chief Conductor
EMO and the European Union
From the very beginning EMO was conceptualized as an exceptional, pan-European ensemble whose goal was to reflect a unified creative spriti of all of Europe. To this end EMO's administration and management actively pursued assistance and collaborated closely with the emerging European Union. Pictured here is EMO's Executive Vice President Ivica Cesarec meeting with Otto von Habsburg,* the Honorary President of Paneuropean Union. EMO was fortunate to have such solid, visionary administrative team which well understood EMO's place as a multi-national, pan-European ensemble. Cesarec played a crucial role in maintaining this vision. A seasoned
industry veteran and an ambitious leader, Mr. Cesarec served in the role of Executive Vice President for nearly ten years, deftly managing EMO affairs from its inception in 1982 to 1990. In 1990 Mr. Cesarec resigned from EMO but then in 2008, after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, returned to EMO's management where he currently serves as a vital members of its executive staff.
The world stage In the 27 years of its existence, EMO has participated in many of Europe's best-known concert series and performed in many of world's finest concert halls, including Musikverein in Vienna, Herkulessaal in Munich, Royal Festival Hall in London, Concert Hall of the Conservatory Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, and principal halls of Prague, Budapest, Seoul, Zagreb, Belgrade, various halls in China, and others. EMO's concerts have invariably been met with high critical acclaim. Critics have praised the virtuosity and discipline of the orchestra, the unity of its musical expression, and the sophistication of its interpretation and tone. These qualities have given EMO the reputation of being one of the fines European orchestras.
Today Today, EMO's tradition of fine performances and presence on eminent stages of Europe and Asia is now caried out by a new team. In 2006 the Orchestra was relocated to its current home in Vienna and Maestro Zvonimir Hacko was appointed EMO's Chief Conductor/Music Director.
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*Archduke Franz Joseph Otto von Habsburg pictured above has been the head of the House of Habsburg since 1922. He is the eldest son of Charles, the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia. In the 1980s he was a member of the European Parliament for the Christian Social Union (CSU) party and honorary president of the International Paneuropean Union.
Violinist Henryk Szeryng, one of the most distinguished musicians of his generation and Sir Yehudi Menuhin. 
and unites the nations of the world through the message of love and peace expressed in music.
EMO's first recordings were made in France with company Auvidis. The repertoire included well known works of Vivaldi and Mozart. These were issued as high fidelity recordings and contributed considerably to EMO's reputation. Subsequently, EMO collaborated with RCA Records and later embarked on studio work, recording some eight sound tracks for various films. 
Following the early years, EMO's reputation widened. The orchestra performed at many major arts festivals including the Olympic Arts Festival in Seoul in 1989 under the patronage of Miss. Catherine Lalumière, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The orchestra performed to high critical acclaim. At the time it was lead by the South Korean conductor Nanse Gum who served as its new Music Director and Chief Conductor
European Union. Pictured here is EMO's Executive Vice President Ivica Cesarec meeting with Otto von Habsburg,* the Honorary President of Paneuropean Union. EMO was fortunate to have such solid, visionary administrative team which well understood EMO's place as a multi-national, pan-European ensemble. Cesarec played a crucial role in maintaining this vision. A seasoned
industry veteran and an ambitious leader, Mr. Cesarec served in the role of Executive Vice President for nearly ten years, deftly managing EMO affairs from its inception in 1982 to 1990. In 1990 Mr. Cesarec resigned from EMO but then in 2008, after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, returned to EMO's management where he currently serves as a vital members of its executive staff. 
world's finest concert halls, including Musikverein in Vienna, Herkulessaal in Munich, Royal Festival Hall in London, Concert Hall of the Conservatory Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, and principal halls of Prague, Budapest, Seoul, Zagreb, Belgrade, various halls in China, and others. EMO's concerts have invariably been met with high critical acclaim. Critics have praised the virtuosity and discipline of the orchestra, the unity of its musical expression, and the sophistication of its interpretation and tone. These qualities have given EMO the reputation of being one of the fines European orchestras.
Today, EMO's tradition of fine performances and presence on eminent stages of Europe and Asia is now caried out by a new team. In 2006 the Orchestra was relocated to its current home in Vienna and Maestro Zvonimir Hacko was appointed EMO's Chief Conductor/Music Director.