From its foundation in 1948 the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra has been at the forefront of symphonic music in Ireland and a primary force in Irish musical life. World-class conductors associated with the orchestra’s early days include Jean Martinon, Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt and Sir John Barbirolli. Across the decades, the RTÉ NSO has worked with world-famous composers including Stravinsky, Lutosławski, Pärt, Messiaen and Stockhausen and many legendary conductors and soloists. World-famous artists in recent years have included Leonard Slatkin, Sir James Galway, Angela Gheorgiu, Evelyn Glennie, Kiri te Kanawa, Freddy Kempf and Maxim Vengerov. The orchestra has been critically acclaimed for its recordings. Its chief conductor designate is Jaime Martín, and its principal guest conductor is Nathalie Stutzmann. The orchestra has given many Irish and world première performances.
