The Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Leipzig (RSO Leipzig) is a classical music ensemble based in Leipzig, Germany. The orchestra was founded in 1923 as the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra and has since become one of the most renowned orchestras in Germany. The RSO Leipzig was established by the German radio broadcaster Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) as a radio orchestra. The orchestra's first conductor was Hermann Abendroth, who led the ensemble until 1934. During this time, the orchestra gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and became a fixture in the German classical music scene. In 1934, the Nazi regime took control of the orchestra and renamed it the Großdeutsches Rundfunkorchester (Greater German Radio Orchestra). The orchestra was used as a propaganda tool by the Nazi government and was forced to perform music that aligned with Nazi ideology. Many of the orchestra's Jewish musicians were dismissed, and some were sent to concentration camps. After World War II, the orchestra was re-established as the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra and began to rebuild its reputation. The orchestra's first post-war conductor was Herbert Kegel, who led the ensemble from 1953 to 1977. Under Kegel's leadership, the orchestra became known for its interpretations of contemporary music, particularly the works of composers from the former Soviet Union. In 1992, the orchestra was renamed the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Leipzig (Radio Symphony Orchestra Leipzig) and became an independent organization. The orchestra has since been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Fabio Luisi, Marek Janowski, and Kristjan Järvi. The RSO Leipzig has a core membership of around 100 musicians, and the ensemble performs a wide range of classical music repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music. The orchestra has collaborated with many renowned soloists, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma, and Lang Lang. One of the highlights of the RSO Leipzig's history was its performance at the 1988 Leipzig Gewandhaus concert hall, which was broadcast live on East German television. The concert, which featured Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, was seen as a symbol of the growing opposition to the East German government and was attended by thousands of people. The RSO Leipzig has also received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2011, the orchestra won the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7, conducted by Kristjan Järvi. The orchestra has also been nominated for Grammy Awards for its recordings of works by Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. In addition to its concert performances, the RSO Leipzig is also involved in educational and outreach programs. The orchestra regularly performs for school groups and offers workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. Today, the RSO Leipzig continues to be one of the leading orchestras in Germany and is recognized for its high-quality performances and commitment to contemporary music. The orchestra's rich history and dedication to excellence have made it a beloved institution in the classical music world.

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