Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The RTSI Orchestra, also known as the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, is a classical music ensemble based in Lugano, Switzerland. The orchestra was founded in 1935 as the Radio Orchestra of Lugano, and it has since become one of the most renowned orchestras in Switzerland and Europe. The orchestra's founding can be traced back to the early days of radio broadcasting in Switzerland. In the 1930s, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) established a radio station in Lugano, which served the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. The station quickly became popular, and it was decided that a dedicated orchestra was needed to provide music for the radio programs. Thus, in 1935, the Radio Orchestra of Lugano was founded. The orchestra was initially made up of 22 musicians, and it was led by the Italian conductor Mario Rossi. The orchestra's first concert was held on November 3, 1935, and it was broadcast live on the radio. Over the years, the orchestra grew in size and reputation. In 1955, it was renamed the Swiss Italian Radio Orchestra (OSI), and in 1991, it became the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana (OSI). Today, the orchestra is made up of around 80 musicians, and it is led by the Italian conductor Markus Poschner. The RTSI Orchestra has performed with some of the world's most renowned soloists and conductors. In 1956, the orchestra performed with the legendary pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, and in 1960, it performed with the conductor Herbert von Karajan. Other notable soloists who have performed with the orchestra include Martha Argerich, Maurizio Pollini, and Yo-Yo Ma. The orchestra has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. In 1962, it performed at the Salzburg Festival, and in 1972, it performed at the Edinburgh Festival. In 1999, the orchestra performed at the Lucerne Festival, and in 2007, it performed at the BBC Proms in London. The RTSI Orchestra has received numerous awards and accolades throughout its history. In 1996, it was awarded the Prix de la Fondation Vaudoise pour la Culture, and in 2001, it was awarded the Swiss Music Prize. In 2015, the orchestra was awarded the Swiss Grand Prix Musik, which is the highest honor in Swiss music. One of the highlights of the RTSI Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1956 Venice Biennale. The orchestra performed the world premiere of the Italian composer Luigi Dallapiccola's opera "Il Prigioniero," which was a critical and commercial success. The performance was conducted by Mario Rossi, who had been the orchestra's first conductor. Another notable performance by the RTSI Orchestra was its 1999 performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2, also known as the "Resurrection Symphony." The performance was conducted by Markus Poschner, and it was praised for its emotional intensity and technical precision. In recent years, the RTSI Orchestra has continued to perform at a high level and to collaborate with some of the world's most renowned musicians. In 2019, the orchestra performed with the pianist Martha Argerich at the Lugano Festival, and in 2020, it performed with the violinist Renaud Capuçon at the Geneva International Music Competition. Overall, the RTSI Orchestra has a rich and storied history, and it continues to be one of the most respected and admired orchestras in Switzerland and Europe.

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