Wal-Berg & His Orchestra was a French classical music ensemble that was active from the 1930s to the 1950s. The orchestra was founded by Wal-Berg, a Polish-born conductor and composer who had moved to France in the early 1920s. Wal-Berg was known for his ability to blend classical and popular music, and his orchestra became famous for its lively and entertaining performances. The main members of Wal-Berg & His Orchestra included some of the most talented musicians in France at the time. These included violinist Jacques Thibaud, pianist Alfred Cortot, and cellist Pablo Casals. Other notable members of the orchestra included clarinetist Benny Goodman, trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. One of the highlights of Wal-Berg & His Orchestra's career was their performance at the 1937 Paris World's Fair. The orchestra played a variety of classical and popular music, including works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, as well as jazz standards like "St. Louis Blues" and "Body and Soul." The performance was a huge success, and the orchestra received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. Another notable performance by Wal-Berg & His Orchestra was their appearance in the 1948 film "The Red Shoes." The orchestra provided the music for the film's ballet sequences, which were choreographed by legendary dancer and choreographer Anton Dolin. The music for the ballet sequences was composed by Brian Easdale, but Wal-Berg & His Orchestra brought the music to life with their energetic and expressive playing. In addition to their performances, Wal-Berg & His Orchestra also received several awards and honors during their career. In 1949, the orchestra was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. The following year, they received the Grand Prix du Disque again, this time for their recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5. Despite their success, Wal-Berg & His Orchestra disbanded in the early 1950s. Wal-Berg himself continued to work as a conductor and composer, but he never again achieved the same level of success that he had with his orchestra. Today, Wal-Berg & His Orchestra is remembered as one of the most innovative and entertaining classical music ensembles of the 20th century. Their ability to blend classical and popular music, as well as their energetic and expressive performances, continue to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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