Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

The Orchestre Symphonique de la Radio & Television Belge, also known as the Belgian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra, is a classical music ensemble based in Brussels, Belgium. The orchestra was founded in 1935 by the Belgian National Broadcasting Institute, which aimed to create a professional orchestra that would perform live on the radio and television. The orchestra's first conductor was Franz André, who led the ensemble until 1957. During his tenure, the orchestra gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. In 1953, the orchestra made its first international tour, performing in France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. After André's departure, the orchestra was led by several notable conductors, including André Cluytens, Georges Octors, and René Defossez. In 1963, the orchestra moved into its current home, the Flagey building in Brussels, which was originally built as a radio and television broadcasting center. Throughout its history, the orchestra has collaborated with many renowned soloists and conductors, including Yehudi Menuhin, Arthur Grumiaux, Martha Argerich, and Herbert von Karajan. The orchestra has also premiered many new works by Belgian composers, including André Souris, Henri Pousseur, and Luc Brewaeys. One of the orchestra's most notable performances was its 1985 concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which was part of the BBC Proms series. The orchestra performed works by Belgian composers, including César Franck's Symphony in D minor and Joseph Jongen's Symphonie Concertante for Organ and Orchestra. The concert was well-received by both the audience and critics, and helped to raise the orchestra's international profile. In addition to its live performances, the orchestra has also recorded extensively, both for radio and television broadcasts and for commercial releases. The orchestra's recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. Over the years, the orchestra has undergone several name changes, reflecting changes in the Belgian broadcasting landscape. In 1964, it became the Belgian Radio and Television Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 1977, it was renamed the Belgian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra. In 1991, the orchestra merged with the Flemish Radio Orchestra to form the Belgian Radio and Television Philharmonic Orchestra, which was later renamed the Brussels Philharmonic. Despite these changes, the orchestra's commitment to excellence in performance and programming has remained constant. Today, the orchestra continues to perform regularly in Belgium and abroad, and is recognized as one of the country's leading cultural institutions.

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