Lettisches Sinfonieorchester, also known as the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, is a classical music ensemble based in Riga, Latvia. The orchestra was founded in 1926 and has since become one of the most prominent orchestras in the Baltic region. The founding of the Lettisches Sinfonieorchester can be traced back to the establishment of the Latvian State Conservatory in 1919. The conservatory was founded with the aim of promoting music education and performance in Latvia. In 1926, the conservatory established an orchestra, which was initially known as the Riga Conservatory Orchestra. The orchestra was later renamed the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra in 1940. Over the years, the Lettisches Sinfonieorchester has had many notable conductors, including Voldemārs Ozoliņš, Jāzeps Vītols, and Andris Nelsons. The orchestra has also collaborated with many renowned soloists, including violinist Gidon Kremer and pianist Martha Argerich. One of the highlights of the Lettisches Sinfonieorchester's history was its performance at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The orchestra was invited to perform at the games, and its performance was broadcast live on radio throughout Europe. The orchestra's performance was widely praised, and it helped to establish the orchestra's reputation as one of the leading orchestras in the region. In addition to its performance at the Olympic Games, the Lettisches Sinfonieorchester has also performed at many other prestigious venues and events. The orchestra has performed at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms, among others. The orchestra has also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. The Lettisches Sinfonieorchester has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2014, the orchestra was awarded the Latvian Grand Music Award, which is the highest honor in Latvian music. The orchestra has also been recognized for its recordings, including its recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2012. The Lettisches Sinfonieorchester is made up of around 100 musicians, many of whom are graduates of the Latvian Academy of Music. The orchestra's current conductor is Andris Poga, who was appointed in 2013. Poga has previously served as the assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the principal conductor of the Latvian National Opera. In addition to its performances, the Lettisches Sinfonieorchester is also committed to music education and outreach. The orchestra regularly holds workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and it has also established a youth orchestra, the Latvian National Youth Orchestra. Overall, the Lettisches Sinfonieorchester has a rich history and a strong reputation as one of the leading orchestras in the Baltic region. With its commitment to excellence in performance and music education, the orchestra is sure to continue to make a significant contribution to the world of classical music for many years to come.

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