Founded in 1918 by Ernest Ansermet, who was its principal conductor until 1967, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR) is made up of 112 permanent musicians. It gives subscription concerts in Geneva and Lausanne, symphonic programmes for the City of Geneva, the annual United Nations Day concert and accompanies operatic performances at the Grand Théâtre of Geneva. Over the decades, the OSR has built up an international reputation thanks to its historic recordings and its interpretation of the 20th-century French and Russian repertoires.
The British conductor, Jonathan Nott, has served as the OSR’s Music and Artistic Director since January 2017, and continues the OSR’s active contribution to the history of music through the discovery and support of contemporary composers. The 2021-22 season is no exception with the performance of no less than 5 Swiss premières, including a commission from composer Nina Šenk.
The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande has created the new position of conductor in residence, to which Maestro Daniel Harding has been appointed for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, and is also delighted to welcome Frank Peter Zimmermann as artist in residence for the 2021-22 season.
The OSR’s international tours have taken it to the leading concert halls in Europe and Asia, as well as key cities in the Americas. The orchestra is highly sought after by the most prestigious festivals, including the Lucerne Festival, les Chorégies d’Orange, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Septembre Musical (Montreux), Amsterdam’s Robeco ZomerConcerten, the Grafenegg Festival and the BBC Proms.
In close collaboration with Radio-Television Switzerland since its creation, the OSRs broadcasts over the airwaves date back to its early days, to the benefit of millions of listeners throughout the world. The orchestra has made prize-winning recordings for around a dozen international labels. Currently in partnership with PentaTone, the orchestra makes two to three recordings per season and has recently released two albums with Jonathan Nott.
Website
© Photo: Niels Ackermann
