Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

About

The review was of the Orchestra's performance of Verdi's Requiem alongside the Swedish Radio Choir and Eric Ericson Chamber Choir. Further proof that the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra ranks among the best in the world came with a Grammy Award nomination in the category of Best Orchestral Performance for recordings of works by Sibelius. Performances in London, Zürich, S:t Petersburg, Vienna, Salzburg, and Berlin have been among the Orchestras more recent international successes.

At the same time, the Orchestra continues to be an ensemble for the whole of Sweden with regular radio broadcasts from Berwaldhallen, which often reach listeners (last year over 80 milj.) in many other countries through the programme exchange of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The Orchestra has continued to take on new music, as reflected variously in its programmes, chiefly through a series of commissions from Swedish composers. The Orchestra also makes a number of studio recordings each year, almost always concentrating on Swedish music.

Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra attained its present position through years of development. Legendary conductor, Sergiu Celibidache, led this intense work up until 1971 and it was during this period that the Orchestra started regular touring abroad. Herbert Blomstedt, Principal Conductor from 1977 - 1982, further strengthened its international renown, while conductor Stig Westerberg contributed greatly to the promotion of Swedish music, directing over 100 Swedish debut performances during the period 1958 - 1983. Esa-Pekka Salonen was Principal Conductor from 1984 - 1995, during which the orchestra further strengthened its position, chiefly through successful international tours and recordings. He was succeeded by Evgeny Svetlanov in 1997, and in the last four years Musical Director, Manfred Honeck has helped the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra reach new levels of success.

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