The Orchestre National De Belgique (National Orchestra of Belgium) is a classical music ensemble based in Brussels, Belgium. The orchestra was founded in 1931 by the Belgian government as a means of promoting the country's cultural heritage and fostering a sense of national identity. The orchestra's founding members included some of the most prominent musicians in Belgium at the time, including conductor Franz André and violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. Over the years, the orchestra has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including André Cluytens, Georges Octors, and Yuri Simonov. Today, the Orchestre National De Belgique is one of the most respected and acclaimed orchestras in Europe, known for its virtuosic performances of both classical and contemporary music. The orchestra's current music director is Hugh Wolff, an American conductor who has led the ensemble since 2017. One of the highlights of the Orchestre National De Belgique's history was its performance at the 1958 World Expo in Brussels. The orchestra played a series of concerts throughout the Expo, showcasing the best of Belgian classical music to an international audience. The orchestra's performance was widely praised, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the premier orchestras in Europe. Over the years, the Orchestre National De Belgique has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned soloists and conductors. In 1960, the orchestra performed with legendary pianist Arthur Rubinstein, in a concert that was broadcast live on Belgian television. Other notable collaborations have included performances with conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, and Claudio Abbado. In addition to its performances in Belgium, the Orchestre National De Belgique has also toured extensively throughout Europe and the world. The orchestra has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Musikverein in Vienna, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The Orchestre National De Belgique has also been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious Fuga Trophy by the Belgian Association of Composers, for its contributions to the promotion of Belgian music. The orchestra has also been recognized for its commitment to contemporary music, with a number of awards for its performances of works by living composers. Today, the Orchestre National De Belgique continues to be a vital part of Belgium's cultural landscape, performing a wide range of classical and contemporary music to audiences both at home and abroad. With its commitment to excellence and its dedication to promoting the best of Belgian music, the orchestra is sure to remain a fixture of the classical music world for many years to come.

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