The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra (HR-Sinfonieorchester) is one of the oldest German radio orchestras. It was founded in 1924. Notable past chief conductors have been Hans Rosbaud, Dean Dixon and Eliahu Inbal who recorded a much acclaimed cycle of Mahler and Bruckner symphonies in the 1970s and 1980s. The current chief conductor is Andres Orozco-Estrada. The orchestra has placed an emphasis on contemporary music and given premières of many important works since its beginning, such as Bartók’s Second Piano Concerto in 1933. In the post-war period the orchestra played first performances of works by composers such as Krenek, Henze and Nono. The composer-conductor Bruno Maderna was a frequent guest. At present the orchestra’s commitment to New Music is continued in a series of concerts entitled Forum Neue Musik.

Photo: Anna Meuer and Tim Wegner