Biography

Founded in 1918 by Ernest Ansermet, permanent conductor until 1967, the world-famous Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR), with its 112 permanent musicians, gives subscription concerts in Geneva and Lausanne, symphony concerts for the City of Geneva and the annual UN Day concert, as well as operatic performances at the Grand Théâtre of Geneva. Its reputation has been forged over the years thanks to its legendary historic recordings and its interpretation of 20th-century French and Russian repertory.

Under its founding conductor and subsequent music directors (Paul Kletzki, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Horst Stein, Armin Jordan, Fabio Luisi, Pinchas Steinberg, Marek Janowski and Neeme Järvi), the OSR has always been an active contributor to the history of music through the discovery or support of leading contemporary composers. The orchestra is a partner of Pro Helvetia until 2017 for the project “Oeuvres suisses”.

The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande has been heard by millions of radio listeners throughout Europe and beyond. Its recordings for dozens of labels have won major awards. More recently, the orchestra has developed a privileged partnership with Pentatone, recording up to two to three discs per season. 

The OSR’s international tours have taken it throughout Europe and Asia and to major cities in North and South America, and it is a frequent guest of music festivals. In 2017, the orchestra visited Spain for its first tour with its new Music and Artistic Director, Jonathan Nott.

The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande is funded by the Canton and City of Geneva, Radio-Télévision Suisse Romande, associations of Friends of the Orchestra and many sponsors and patrons. For its concerts in Lausanne, the OSR receives generous support from the Canton of Vaud.

www.osr.ch