Het Residentie Orkest, also known as The Hague Philharmonic, is a classical music ensemble based in The Hague, Netherlands. The orchestra was founded in 1904 and has since become one of the most prominent orchestras in the country. The founding of Het Residentie Orkest can be traced back to the initiative of a group of music lovers in The Hague who wanted to establish a professional orchestra in the city. The group was led by Henri Viotta, a Dutch conductor and composer who had previously worked with the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. With the support of the city government, the group was able to establish the orchestra and hold its first concert on October 1, 1904. Over the years, Het Residentie Orkest has had many notable conductors and musicians. Some of the most prominent conductors include Willem van Otterloo, Hans Vonk, and Neeme Järvi. The orchestra has also worked with many renowned soloists, including pianist Martha Argerich, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and violinist Janine Jansen. One of the highlights of Het Residentie Orkest's history was its performance at the 1954 Holland Festival, where it premiered Igor Stravinsky's opera The Rake's Progress. The performance was conducted by the composer himself and was a major success, cementing the orchestra's reputation as a leading ensemble in the Netherlands. In addition to its performances in the Netherlands, Het Residentie Orkest has also toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia. The orchestra has performed in many prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Musikverein in Vienna, and the Suntory Hall in Tokyo. Over the years, Het Residentie Orkest has received many awards and accolades for its performances. In 2010, the orchestra was awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor in the Dutch music industry. The award recognized the orchestra's contribution to the development of classical music in the Netherlands and its commitment to promoting new and innovative works. In recent years, Het Residentie Orkest has continued to innovate and expand its repertoire. The orchestra has collaborated with many contemporary composers and has premiered many new works. In 2018, the orchestra launched a new initiative called "The Hague Sound City," which aims to promote the city's vibrant music scene and encourage collaboration between musicians and other artists. Today, Het Residentie Orkest is led by conductor and violinist Nicholas Collon. The orchestra continues to be a leading force in the Dutch music scene and a respected ensemble on the international stage. With its rich history and commitment to innovation, Het Residentie Orkest is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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