The Belgrade National Opera Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Belgrade, Serbia. The orchestra was founded in 1947, shortly after the end of World War II, and has since become one of the most prominent orchestras in the Balkans. The founding of the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra was a response to the need for a professional orchestra to accompany the National Opera, which had been established in 1946. The orchestra was initially made up of 60 musicians, and its first conductor was Oskar Danon, a Croatian conductor and composer who had previously worked with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the years, the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra has had many notable members, including conductors such as Mladen Jagušt, Dušan Miladinović, and Dejan Savić, as well as soloists such as pianist Ivo Pogorelić and violinist Stefan Milenković. One of the highlights of the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra's history was its performance of Verdi's opera "Aida" in 1958. This performance was notable not only for its musical excellence but also for its staging, which featured live elephants on stage. The performance was a huge success and helped to establish the orchestra's reputation as a world-class ensemble. In addition to its work with the National Opera, the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra has also performed with many other prominent musicians and ensembles. In 1971, the orchestra performed with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 1980, it performed with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The Belgrade National Opera Orchestra has also received many awards and honors over the years. In 1967, the orchestra was awarded the Order of Merit for Culture by the Yugoslav government, and in 1997, it was awarded the City of Belgrade Award for its contributions to the city's cultural life. Despite its many achievements, the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra has faced many challenges over the years. The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s led to a decline in funding for the arts, and the orchestra has struggled to maintain its high standards in the face of financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra remains a vital part of Serbia's cultural heritage. Its performances continue to inspire audiences around the world, and its commitment to excellence in classical music remains as strong as ever.

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