{"id":22251,"date":"2022-11-23T17:08:46","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T16:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/?p=122672"},"modified":"2022-11-28T09:26:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T08:26:47","slug":"the-best-orchestras-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/rss_feed\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The best orchestras in the world"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Oliver Condy\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Comprising a list of the best orchestras in the world was no easy feat, with dozens \u2013 if not hundreds \u2013 of leading modern orchestras and period bands around the world, all making waves in their respective countries and bringing music to the masses. Orchestras will be constantly in flux, with changes made to line-ups, conductors, repertoire and funding.<\/p>\n

However, those playing at the top of their game will usually maintain a sense of consistency; an immutable, familiar tone and sound that is merely enhanced and shaped by the maestro on the podium. We\u2019ve picked out some of those top orchestras \u2013 the ones you should always make an effort to see if they\u2019re touring or you happen to be passing through their home country. In the meantime, we\u2019ve also suggested a few recommended recordings so you can have a flavour of the ensembles performing at their best.<\/p>\n

Which are the best orchestras in the world?<\/h2>\n

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra<\/h3>\n\nThe Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra is based in Munich and is a crack broadcasting ensemble that has emerged in recent decades to challenge the world\u2019s best (although Leonard Bernstein knew its quality, and regularly collaborated with the BRSO for several years). Rafael Kubel\u00edk, Colin Davis (who introduced them to more regular English fare) and Lorin Maazel have all made their mark but, yet again, it\u2019s been Mariss Jansons who has pushed the orchestra into the limelight of late. Their performances and recordings, on the recently launched BR-Klassik label, are impeccably wrought, finely detailed affairs.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/bruckner-symphony-no-8-2\/"\">Bruckner: Symphony No. 8 (1890 version)<\/a><\/strong><br\/>Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra\/Mariss Jansons<\/strong><br\/>BR Klassik 900165 80:07 mins<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/bruckner-symphony-no-8-2\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Anton-Bruckner-Symphonie-Symphonieorchester-Bayerischen\/dp\/B07C5H8DYP\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bruckner+8+jansons+bavarian&qid=1610037974&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.hive.co.uk\/Product\/Bruckner-Symphonie-Nr-8\/22521108?gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6O5fMbIKCUQVOju8JBnuCes45w7s4PywuCqtrfa2w1EBlh_W2LZnARoCnyAQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from Hive<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8438256--bruckner-symphony-no-8-in-c-minor"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.europadisc.co.uk\/classical\/106582\/Arvo_Part_-_Adam%E2%80%99s_Lament.htm?gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6Pv_t_eXEdCngTCRdNeM8kvFsJLEcg8AxuqHfR5U6xi2MMXQV08EiRoC-igQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from EuropaDisc<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.onbuy.com\/gb\/anton-bruckner-symphonie-nr-8-symphonieorchester-des-bayerischen-rundfunks-mariss-jansons-br-klassik-900165~c5629~p7339610\/?exta=shptl&stat=eyJpcCI6IjE0LjE4IiwiZHAiOjAsImxpZCI6IjMyODMzMDA3IiwicyI6IjEiLCJ0IjoxNjA5OTY5NTE2LCJibWMiOjB9&custom_id=10_20:::ee:::regular:::new:::uk:::h=0-d=0-rs=0:::item-id=OPC-PP5NGR-NEW&gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6Ha-LrrnKXMh9-Cl0PAlH_d2oyyj0MWiAsurkOD2BkAVHvi8XIPkZhoCg7gQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from OnBuy<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Berlin Philharmonic<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""The\" berliner=\"\" philharmoniker=\"\" season=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wcN9qqafMJQ?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nOver its 140-year history, the Berlin Philharmonic has been a consistent powerhouse, attracting the very best players and performing with a perfection of which most orchestras can only dream. Founded in 1882, the BPO has been steered by the likes Otto Klemperer, Wilhelm Furtw\u00e4ngler and Herbert von Karajan whose nose for commercial opportunities and love of new tech saw the orchestra dominate the classical recording industry in the 1980s.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/artists\/worlds-best-choirs\/"\">10 best choirs in the world<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/artists\/who-are-berlin-philharmonics-past-chief-conductors\/"\">Who are the Berlin Philharmonic\u2019s past chief conductors?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>Claudio Abbado carved a new identity for the orchestra during the 1990s, with a greater amount opera and modern music, while Simon Rattle brought the orchestra screaming into the 21st century (he was appointed in 1999) with a still wider gamut and an engagement with the broader Berlin community. Politically, the Berlin Phil has been slow to catch up \u2013 it wasn\u2019t until 1982 that the it appointed its first female player \u2013 clarinettist Sabine Meyer.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/sir-simon-rattle-conducts-beethoven-symphonies\/"\">Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 1-9<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nAnnette Dasch (soprano), Eva Vogel (mezzo), Christian Elsner (tenor), Dimitry Ivashchenko (bass); Berlin Radio Choir; Berlin Philharmonic\/Sir Simon Rattle<br\/>Berliner Philharmoniker BPHR 160091 (5 CDs +2 Blu-rays + 1 Pure Audio Blu-ray)<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/sir-simon-rattle-conducts-beethoven-symphonies\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Symphonien-VINYL-Beethoven-Rattle-Berlin\/dp\/B0713SRYP9\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rattle+berlin+beethoven+symphonies&qid=1610038159&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8118460--beethoven-symphonies-nos-1-9"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Boston Symphony Orchestra<\/h3>\nFounded in 1881, the Boston Symphony is the second-oldest of the five major American symphony orchestras commonly referred to as the \u2018Big Five\u2019 (the others, in case you\u2019re wondering, being New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Cleveland).<\/p>\nPast music directors have included Serge Koussevitzky, Erich Leinsdorf, William Steinberg and James Levine. Another great conductor who enjoyed strong links with Boston was Bernard Haitink, who served as principal guest conductor BSO from 1995 to 2004, and subsequently conductor emeritus until his death in 2021.<\/p>\nThe talented Andris Nelsons is the current incumbent at Boston. Among other things, Nelsons and Boston have some first-rate renditions of the Shostakovich symphonies under their belts.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/shostakovich-performed-boston-symphony-orchestra-conducted-andris-nelsons\/"\">Shostakovich: Symphonies 5, 8 & 9 et al<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nBoston Symphony Orchestra\/Andris Nelsons<br\/>DG 479 5201<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/shostakovich-performed-boston-symphony-orchestra-conducted-andris-nelsons\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Shostakovich-Symphony-Incidental-Music-Hamlet\/dp\/B01BIH5U1W\/ref=sr_1_2?tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8120944--shostakovich-under-stalins-shadow-symphonies-nos-5-8-9"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Budapest Festival Orchestra<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""Iv\u00e1n\" fischer=\"\" budapest=\"\" festival=\"\" orchestra:=\"\" mahler=\"\" symphony=\"\" behind=\"\" the=\"\" scenes.=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MJnpbhadKcc?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nThe Budapest Festival Orchestra has, under its director of music Iv\u00e1n Fischer, become one of Europe\u2019s most important ensembles. In fact, it was Fischer who co-founded the ensemble almost 40 years ago with Zoltan Kocsis, and which since then has become renowned for its stunning surround-sound recordings of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/gustav-mahler\/"\">Mahler<\/a><\/strong>. Fischer is a dynamic leader and refuses to play by the book \u2013 which is why he gets the results he does.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/five-most-unusual-budapest-festival-orchestra-concerts\/"\">Five of the most unusual Budapest Festival Orchestra concerts<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/50-greatest-composers-all-time\/"\">The 50 Greatest Composers of All Time<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/recordings\/50-greatest-recordings-all-time\/"\">The 50 greatest recordings of all time<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>The BFO has break-out groups specialising in period instruments, contemporary music and Balkan folk which gives his players musical freedoms that in turn feeds back into the main ensemble. And regularly invites orchestra members to programme concerts and compete with each other for concerto slots. The players seem to respond, with playing of warmth and sharpness of ensemble.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/ivan-fischer-conducts-brahms-symphony-no-4\/"\">Brahms: Symphony No. 4<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nBudapest Festival Orchestra\/Iv\u00e1n Fischer<br\/>Channel Classics CCS SA 35315 (hybrid CD\/SACD)<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/ivan-fischer-conducts-brahms-symphony-no-4\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Brahms-Symphony-Hungarian-Budapest-Orchestra\/dp\/B01M3WDWQ5\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=brahms+4+fischer+budapest+festival&qid=1610038293&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8077402--brahms-symphony-no-4"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.chalkys.com\/products\/budapest-festival-orchestra-brahms-symphony-no-4-cd?variant=14766893793395&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6H3qq53d7tZpbPmZOE6TOAYtp-_VBXS0x07hx3jEv6ebXjEar_kmqRoCUw0QAvD_BwE"\">Buy from Chalkys<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Chamber Orchestra of Europe<\/h3>\nEstablished in 1981, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe is the youngest orchestra in our list. It was formed by former members of the European Community Youth Orchestra, who had surpassed the ECYO\u2019s age limit but wanted to continue playing together. It\u2019s based in London, tho0ugh in reality it has links across Europe. Its 60 members, for example, are drawn from right across the continent.<\/p>\nOver its 40-year history to date, the COE has forged links with a variety of illustrious conductors and performers, including Claudio Abbado and Nikolaus Harnoncourt. With the latter, the orchestra recorded a groundbreaking cycle of the Beethoven symphonies.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlightcontent\" editor-content=\"\"> <ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/recordings\/best-recordings-beethovens-symphonies\/"\">The best recordings of all Beethoven\u2019s Symphonies<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/works\/beethoven-guide-his-symphonies\/"\">Beethoven: A guide to his symphonies<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/listen\/podcast\/recording-month-beethoven-symphonies-nos-1-9\/"\">Recording of the Month: Beethoven Symphonies Nos 1-9<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/how-many-symphonies-did-beethoven-write\/"\">How many symphonies did Beethoven write?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/works\/20-greatest-symphonies-all-time\/"\">The 20 Greatest Symphonies of all time<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/p><\/div> <\/section>Performers to have recorded with the COE include Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Emanuel Ax, Lisa Batiashvili, Joshua Bell, brothers Renaud and Gautier Capu\u00e7on, Radu Lupu, Maria Jo\u00e3o Pires and Sir Andr\u00e1s Schiff.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/concerto\/anderszewski-and-chamber-orchestra-europe-perform-mozart-piano-concertos\/"\">Mozart: Piano Concertos 25 & 27<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nChamber Orchestra of Europe\/Piotr Anderszewski (piano)<br\/>Warner Classics 9029572422<\/em><\/p>\n\u2018 The Chamber Orchestra of Europe\u2019s woodwind perform like the stars they are.\u2019 Read our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/concerto\/anderszewski-and-chamber-orchestra-europe-perform-mozart-piano-concertos\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a class=\""standard-card-newarticle-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/recordings\/mozart-piano-concertos-best-recordings\/"\">The best recordings of Mozart\u2019s Piano Concertos<\/strong><\/a><br\/><a class=\""standard-card-new__article-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/musical-terms\/what-concerto\/"\">What is a concerto?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>Chicago Symphony Orchestra<\/h3>\nThe Chicago band has had some big characters to lead it over the years. Perhaps the best known, and one of the longest-serving, was the legendary Georg Solti, who led the Chicago forces for over two decades from 1969 to 1991. During this time, the Second City\u2019s orchestra gained global renown \u2013 not least for its incredible brass section, containing such huge talents as principal trumpeter Adolph \u2018Bud\u2019 Herseth.<\/p>\nUnder Solti\u2019s tenure and that of his successor Daniel Barenboim, the Chicago Symphony produced some much-admired recordings, including authoritative cycles of the symphonies of Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner and Mahler.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/shostakovich-symphony-no-13\/"\">Shostakovich: Symphony No. 13 \u2018Babi Yar\u2019<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nAlexey Tikhomirov, Men of the Chicago Symphony Chorus\/Dustin Wolfe, Chicago Symphony Orchestra\/Riccardo Muti<br\/>CSO Resound CSOR 901 1901<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/shostakovich-symphony-no-13\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Shostakovich-13-Babi-Yar-D\/dp\/B081WTD226\/ref=sr_1_2?tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8714140--shostakovich-symphony-no-13-in-b-flat-minor-op-113-babi-yar"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.europadisc.co.uk\/classical\/145374\/Shostakovich_-_Symphony_no.13_%E2%80%98Babi_Yar%E2%80%99.htm"\">Buy from EuropaDisc<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Cleveland Orchestra<\/h3>\nThe Cleveland Orchestra really hit its stride under the famously exacting conductor George Szell, who served as the orchestra\u2019s music director for nearly a quarter of a century from 1946 to 1970.<\/p>\nWhen Szell arrived in Cleveland, the orchestra was well respected but small in size and \u2013 like so many others \u2013 struggling to find its feet after World War II.<\/p>\n<section class=\""highlight\"><div class=\""highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/what-happened-to-classical-musicians-during-world-war-2\/"\">What happened to classical musicians during World War 2?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/what-was-impact-world-war-one-music\/"\">What was the impact of World War One on music?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/14-composers-who-died-in-the-first-world-war\/"\">14 composers who died in the First World War<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/p><\/div> <\/section>Over the next 24 years, the no-nonsense Szell transformed the Cleveland band into perhaps the world\u2019s best-disciplined orchestra. A later music director, Christoph von Dohnanyi, continued to maintain Szell\u2019s high standards and today, under \u00a0Dohnanyi\u2019s successor Franz Welser-M\u00f6st, that fine tradition is still upheld. Cleveland has, in fact, been remearkable for its stability \u2013 it\u2019s still onto only its fourth music director since Szell took up the reins in 1946.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/a-new-century\/"\">A New Century: works by Beethoven, Prokofiev, Strauss et al<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nPaul Jacobs (organ); The Cleveland Orchestra\/Franz Welser-M\u00f6st (Cleveland Orchestra)<br\/>Cleveland Orchestra TCO0001<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/a-new-century\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=cleveland+a+new+century&crid=1SA1E9OKUITUV&sprefix=cleveland+a+new+century+%2Caps%2C66&ref=nb_sb_noss&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8768333--a-new-century"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.chalkys.com\/products\/cleveland-orchestra-franz-welser-most-a-new-century-audio-cd?_pos=7&_sid=97d9ff2d0&_ss=r"\">Buy from Chalkys<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Czech Philharmonic<\/h3>\nThe Cezch Phil has long been loved for, apart from many other virtues, the distinctive quality of its woodwinds, which have always had a prominent, Central European tang to them.<\/p>\nOriginally the orchestra of the Prague National Theatre, the Cezch Phil played its first concert under its current name on January 4, 1896. The great composer <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/antonin-dvorak\/"\">Anton\u00edn Dvo\u0159\u00e1k<\/strong><\/a> conducted his own compositions that evening. A little later, in 1908, <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/gustav-mahler\/"\">Gustav Mahler<\/strong><\/a> conducted the world premiere of his Symphony No. 7.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a class=\""standard-card-new__article-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/the-ten-best-czech-composers\/"\">10 best Czech composers<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>V\u00e1clav Talich was the orchestra\u2019s first great principal conductor, leading the Czech Phil to great exploits from 1919 to 1931, and again from 1933 to 1941. The subsequent rollcall of chief conductors is illustrious (and decidedly Czech), including Rafael Kubel\u00edk (1942-1948), Karel An\u010derl (1950-1968), V\u00e1clav Neumann (196801989), and Ji\u0159\u00ed B\u011blohl\u00e1vek (1990-1992). The latter achieved, among other things, a wonderful cycle of the symphonies of the great 20th-century Czech composer <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/bohuslav-martinu\/"\">Bohuslav Martin\u016f<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 as well as, of course, some brilliant Dvo\u0159\u00e1k recordings.<\/p>\nThe current man at the top is\u00a0<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/news\/semyon-bychkov-extends-contract-with-czech-phil\/"\">Semyon Bychkov<\/strong><\/a>, who has recently extended his tenure in Prague.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/mahler-symphony-no-4-czech-phil-bychkov\/"\">Mahler: Symphony No. 4<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nCzech Philharmonic \/ Semyon Bychkov<br\/>Pentatone PTC 5186 972\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/mahler-symphony-no-4-czech-phil-bychkov\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Mahler-Symphony-No-Czech-Philharmonic\/dp\/B09RFZ5BBH\/ref=sr_1_1?tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/9319021--mahler-symphony-no-4"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Dresden Staatskapelle<\/h3>\nPlenty of orchestras have rich and storied histories: however, the Dresden Staatskapelle fares better than most here. Founded in 1548, it is one of the world\u2019s oldest and most highly regarded orchestras. Its precursor ensemble was Die Kurf\u00fcrstlich-S\u00e4chsische und K\u00f6niglich-Polnische Kapelle (The Electoral Saxon and Royal Polish Orchestra). The orchestra is the musical body of the\u00a0<a title=\""Semperoper"\" href=\""https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Semperoper"\">Staatsoper Dresden<\/a>\u00a0(Dresden State Opera).<\/p>\nThe Dresden band has been closely associated with several major composers. In the nineteenth century, <a title=\""Carl\" maria=\"\" von=\"\" weber=\"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/carl-maria-von-weber\/"\">Carl Maria von Weber<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<a title=\""Richard\" wagner=\"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/richard-wagner-2\/"\">Richard Wagner<\/a><\/strong> both served as its chief conductor, or Hofkapellmeister<\/i>. Then, in the 1900s,\u00a0<a title=\""Richard\" strauss=\"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/richard-strauss\/"\">Richard Strauss<\/a><\/strong> served as both conductor of and composer for the Staatskapelle, with several of his works getting premieres in Dresden.<\/p>\nLater still, the Staatskapelle became known for its characterful brass sound, heard to great effect in the Bruckner symphonies cycle recorded in the 1970s under conductor Eugen Jochum.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\nBruckner: the Symphonies<br\/><\/b>Staatskapelle Dresden\/Eugen Jochum<br\/>Warner Classics<\/i><\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Bruckner-9-Symphonies-Eugen-Jochum\/dp\/B082PQMKZP\/ref=sr_1_1?tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8762019--bruckner-the-symphonies"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.europadisc.co.uk\/classical\/146087\/Bruckner_-_The_9_Symphonies.htm"\">Buy from EuropaDisc<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Hall\u00e9<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""The\" halle=\"\" manchester=\"\" orchestra=\"\" since=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/37rpuoFexT8?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nSince 1857, Manchester\u2019s Hall\u00e9 Orchestra has had its triumphant ups and devastating downs, to be sure. Despite some notable musical successes \u2013 including the premiere performance of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/edward-elgar\/"\">Elgar<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s Symphony No. 1 \u2013 decades of financial trouble dogged it up until 1943 when the sure hand of John Barbirolli led it to international stardom. Barbirolli did his best until 1970, recording some of the finest performances of Mahler and Elgar on record, but years of mismanagement blighted the tenures of Stanis\u0142aw Skrowaczewski and Kent Nagano, the latter of whom aimed high in his repertoire ambitions, and was criticised for it.<\/p>\nUnder the current leadership of Mark Elder, however, the Hall\u00e9 has risen to new heights, and is arguably the finest interpreter of English music of any ensemble. Their recordings of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/richard-wagner\/"\">Wagner<\/a><\/strong> operas, too, have received particular acclaim.<\/p>\nRead our <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/tag\/halle-orchestra-reviews\/"\">reviews of the latest Hall\u00e9 Orchestra recordings here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/sir-mark-elder-conducts-vaughan-williamss-symphonies-nos-4-6-hall-orchestra\/"\">Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos 4 & 6<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nHall\u00e9 Orchestra\/Mark Elder<br\/>Hall\u00e9 <\/em>HLL 7547<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/sir-mark-elder-conducts-vaughan-williamss-symphonies-nos-4-6-hall-orchestra\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Vaughan-Williams-Symphonies-Nos-Hall%C3%A9\/dp\/B073LP591V\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=vaughan+williams+4+6+elder+hallmark&qid=1610038425&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8360589--vaughan-williams-symphonies-nos-4-6"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.sheetmusicplus.com\/title\/vaughan-williams-symphonies-nos-4-6-sheet-music\/21715391?d=sem_sidecar&popup=false&d=sem_sidecar&popup=false&country_code=GBR&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplp21715391&sc_intid=21715391&d=sem_ggl_%7Bcampaign_id%7D_&gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6ApQZB8qBnqCUeKZc1EIBcbulrwg1nnCYPv0jQIOOiSzCuKY8MMYixoCiVAQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from Sheet Music Plus<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.europadisc.co.uk\/classical\/134656\/Vaughan_Williams_-_Symphonies_4_&_6.htm?gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6FuHhAdJ8e_O3SyghVmUYyj68X59LuORuqYIcQr-qqeiJMHokMkPHxoCAWMQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from Europadisc<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/en-gb\/music\/audio-cd\/halle-vaughan-williams-symphonies-nos-4-6\/5065001341533?gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6McEo0W78TW8qN0QM8hP3SJAmu7_BcRG00b7riGa6HiqahNRblAO7RoCgj4QAvD_BwE"\">Buy from World of Books<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""Riccardo\" chailly=\"\" gewandhaus=\"\" orchestra=\"\" leipzig=\"\" mahler=\"\" symphony=\"\" no.=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nLnpAcZxCqY?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nThe Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra lays claim to a 500-year history. But its modern incarnation is somewhat different to its ancestral ensemble of pipers\u2026 In the (relatively) modern era, its most famous conductor has been the composer <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/felix-mendelssohn\/"\">Felix Mendelssohn<\/a><\/strong>, who lived in Leipzig and who premiered many of his own works with the orchestra. Since Mendelssohn, the likes of Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtw\u00e4ngler and Bruno Walter have led the Gewandhaus Orchestra, but its golden era was under Kurt Masur who stayed over 25 years, between 1970 and 1996.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/works\/20-greatest-symphonies-all-time\/"\">The 20 Greatest Symphonies of all time<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""http:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/article\/20-greatest-conductors-all-time"\">The 20 Greatest Conductors of all time<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/whats-the-difference-between-chamber-music-and-orchestral-music\/"\">What\u2019s the difference between chamber music and orchestral music?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>With Masur, the orchestra made many acclaimed discs for the Philips and EMI labels, including a now legendary recording of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/richard-strauss\/"\">Strauss<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s Four Last Songs<\/em> with soprano Jessye Norman, the <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/max-bruch\/"\">Bruch<\/a><\/strong> and Mendelssohn Violin Concertos with Maxim Vengerov and symphony cycles of Mendelssohn and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/ludwig-van-beethoven\/"\">Beethoven<\/a><\/strong>. Riccardo Chailly\u2019s tenure, between 2005 and 2016, was marked with many acclaimed Decca recordings \u2013 his recordings of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/johannes-brahms\/"\">Brahms<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s complete symphonies and serenades is arguably the finest ever made. Andris Nelsons is just two years into his conductorship \u2013 the Leipzig Gewandhaus sounds as refined and majestic as ever.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/miscellaneous\/strauss-157\/"\">Strauss: Vier letzte Lieder and Other Lieder<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nJessye Norman (soprano), Gewandhausorchester Leipzig\/Kurt Masur<br\/>Philips 4758507<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/miscellaneous\/strauss-157\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Richard-Strauss-Songs-DECCA-Originals\/dp\/B000PMFTDQ\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=strauss+jessye+norman+gewandhaus&qid=1610038641&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/7956007--richard-strauss-vier-letzte-lieder-and-other-lieder"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/en-gb\/music\/audio-cd\/jessye-norman-gewandhausorchester-leipzig-kurt-masur-richard-strauss-four-last-s\/0028947585077?gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6GxkL6PEOikF830nQEiFySOR1Epz03SBgpfaREseEZsQeE9nBpf0VhoCeDcQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from World of Books<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.europadisc.co.uk\/classical\/40044\/Richard_Strauss_-_Lieder.htm?gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6O_4Bj5FfxWzXKFqPRo66jncpAIVdqHVLfrwdpKyH83bsCbdN7ymGhoCwUAQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from Europadisc<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.chalkys.com\/products\/jessye-norman-richard-strauss-four-last-songs-decca-the-originals-cd?variant=14585063538803&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAouD_BRBIEiwALhJH6LdJU-Ba_VfcdGnzAc6Ej1AnILojCJMKJd3ABk4DAjPeG5N1A8Gw3xoCL5wQAvD_BwE"\">Buy from Chalkys<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2>London Symphony Orchestra<\/h2>\n<iframe title=\""Stravinsky\" the=\"\" rite=\"\" of=\"\" spring=\"\" london=\"\" symphony=\"\" orchestra=\"\" simon=\"\" rattle=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EkwqPJZe8ms?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nThe LSO can play anything \u2013 its players can seemingly turn on a halfpenny, performing <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/joseph-haydn\/"\">Haydn<\/a><\/strong> one moment and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/witold-lutoslawski\/"\">Lutos\u0142awski<\/a><\/strong> the next, both with the same utter conviction and consummate skill. Its radiant sound (including a terrific brass section) and versatility has made it the go-to orchestra for film soundtracks, recording many of John Williams\u2019s famous scores for the silver screen.<\/p>\nThe LSO has enjoyed a vast roster of principal, guest and assistant conductors, all bringing their individual interpretations to bear. Its current roster (as of 2020) includes Simon Rattle (principal), Gianandrea Noseda, Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Roth, Michael Tilson Thomas and its current assistant, the dynamic young Felix Mildenberger. With past conductors including <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/news\/andr-previn-1929-2019\/"\">Andr\u00e9 Previn<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 who brought a media-friendly celebrity and energy to the orchestra \u2013 Claudio Abbado and, before Rattle, Valery Gergiev, the LSO is the most exciting orchestra in the UK, and its own LSO Live record label has produced recordings of the highest quality from its London Barbican home.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/simon-rattle-conducts-stravinskys-rite-spring\/"\">Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nBarbara Hannigan (soprano); London Symphony Orchestra\/Simon Rattle<br\/>LSO Live LSO 3028<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/simon-rattle-conducts-stravinskys-rite-spring\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8366711--stravinsky-the-rite-of-spring"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Los Angeles Philharmonic<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""Beethoven\" symphony=\"\" no.=\"\" i=\"\" with=\"\" gustavo=\"\" dudamel=\"\" and=\"\" the=\"\" la=\"\" phil=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wCe_j3tAudM?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nCurrently under the directorship of Gustavo \u2018the dude\u2019 Dudamel, the century-old LA Phil divides its time between the extraordinary Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Hall and, in the summer months, the Hollywood Bowl. It prides itself on championing new music, a direction instigated by its previous intendant, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and its engagements with the community, new commissions and tours have been nothing short of ambitious.<\/p>\nDuring the 2018\/19 season, over 60 living composers wrote works for the orchestra. Underneath its ambitious exterior lies an orchestra with a solid history \u2013 its previous conductors have included Zubin Mehta (1962-78), Carlo Maria Giulini (1978-84) and Andr\u00e9 Previn who remained with the orchestra for four years between 1985 and 1989 before moving to London to continue with the Royal Phiharmonic Orchestra. The Walt Disney Hall provides an acoustically clean platform for an orchestra with a versatile brief for both traditional repertoire and new music.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/lutosawski-symphonies\/"\">Lutos\u0142awski: The Symphonies<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nLos Angeles Philharmonic\/Esa-Pekka Salonen<br\/>Sony Classical 88765440832<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/lutosawski-symphonies\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Fanfare-for-Los-Angeles-Philharmonic\/dp\/B00B9QI9L6\/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=los+angeles+esa-pekka+lutoslawski+fanfare&qid=1610039022&sr=8-2&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8028073--lutoslawski-complete-symphonies"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Metropolitan Opera Orchestra<\/h3>\nNorth America\u2019s largest classical music organisation, the New York-based Metropolitan Opera (0r \u2018Met\u2019) comprises a symphony orchestra, a chorus, children\u2019s choir, and many supporting and leading solo singers. The Met\u2019s repertoire ranges widely, from 18th-century <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/baroque-music-guide\/"\">Baroque<\/strong><\/a> and 19th-century <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/what-bel-canto\/"\">bel canto<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to modern works. The Met\u2019s own in-house orchestra is a huge part of the opera house\u2019s global renown: a world-class ensemble with its own concert series at Carnegie Hall.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/verdis-luisa-miller-performed-millo-domingo-chernov-quivar-plishka-rootering-and-metropolitan\/"\">Verdi: Luisa Miller<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nMillo, Domingo, Chernov, Quivar, Plishka, Rootering, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus\/James Levine<br\/>Sony 88875194772\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/verdis-luisa-miller-performed-millo-domingo-chernov-quivar-plishka-rootering-and-metropolitan\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a class=\""standard-card-newarticle-title"\" href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/top-10-baroque-composers\/"\">Top 10 Baroque composers<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>New York Philharmonic<\/h3>\nAmerica\u2019s oldest orchestra, the New York Phil remains one of its most prestigious and revered ensembles. The roll call of past NY music directors is hugely impressive, including Gustav Mahler, Willem Mengelberg, Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/artists\/pierre-boulez-remembered\/"\">Pierre Boulez<\/strong><\/a> and \u2013 perhaps most famously \u2013 the great <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/historical\/leonard-bernstein-2\/"\">Leonard Bernstein<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handlercontainer\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\""height:\" max-height:=\"\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-98816\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handlerimage=\"\" image-handlerimage--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2020\/05\/bernstein_200-0fa268d.jpg?quality=90&resize=200%2C200"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\"""\" title=\"""\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"> Leonard Bernstein, the New York Philharmonic\u2019s legendary conductor and figurehead<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nThe hugely charismatic conductor, composer and music educator took the helm for 11 hugely successful years from 1958 onwards. As well as some wonderful series introducing young people to classical music and the orchestra, the results included one of the very first and most-respected cycles of the Mahler symphonies. Indeed, Bernstein and the \u201960s NY Phil can take much of the credit for the vast surge of interest in the great, but previously little performed composer.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/beethoven-symphonies-nos-5-7\/"\">Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 7<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nNew York Philharmonic \/ Jaap van Zweden<br\/>Decca Gold 4816856<\/i><\/p>\n\u2018A triumph, to be listened to especially by anyone who feels they don\u2019t have an urgent need to listen to these works again.\u2019<\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/beethoven-symphonies-nos-5-7\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>NHK Symphony Orchestra<\/h3>\nThe Nihon H\u014ds\u014d Ky\u014dkai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Symphony Orchestra, to give it its full name, is approaching its first centenary, having started life as the New Symphony Orchestra on October 5, 1926. Japan\u2019s first professional symphony orchestra, it later became the Japan Symphony Orchestra and then took its current name in 1951, after the nation\u2019s broadcaster stepped in to provide financial support.<\/p>\nConductors to have held roles at the NHK Orchestra in the past include\u00a0Vladimir Ashkenazy, Charles Dutoit, Wolfgang Sawallisch (an honorary conductor from 1967 to 1994), and Herbert Blomstedt, who has served as honorary conductor since 1986 The orchestra\u2019s current chief conductor is Fabio Luisi.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/fuminori-maro-shinozaki-performs-richard-strausss-ein-heldenleben-and-don-juan-nhk-symphony\/"\">Strauss: Ein Heldenleben \/ Don Juan<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nNHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo\/ Paavo J\u00e4rvi<br\/>RCO 88985391762<\/em><\/p>\n\u2018Of the generalisations trotted out about Japanese playing, those about fine-tuning and focus turn out to be absolutely true; the one about lack of emotion completely false.\u2019 Read our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/fuminori-maro-shinozaki-performs-richard-strausss-ein-heldenleben-and-don-juan-nhk-symphony\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Orchestra dell\u2019Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""Orchestra\" of=\"\" the=\"\" accademia=\"\" nazionale=\"\" di=\"\" santa=\"\" cecilia=\"\" mahler=\"\" first=\"\" symphony=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vNGWZiEtDys?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nFounded in 1908, the Orchestra dell\u2019Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia was the first ensemble to devote itself to symphonic repertoire. Among its historic conductors, Giuseppe Sinopoli streered the orchestra around to <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/gustav-mahler\/"\">Mahler<\/a><\/strong> and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/anton-bruckner\/"\">Bruckner<\/a><\/strong>, while <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/timeline-leonard-bernstein\/"\">Leonard Bernstein<\/a><\/strong> was its honorary president from 1983 to 1990. Under its current conductor Antonio Pappano (appointed in 2005), the Santa Cecilia orchestra, based in Rome, has flourished. Pappano has taken the orchestra across the world to the greatest festivals, and has made a mark with blistering recordings of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/giuseppe-verdi\/"\">Verdi<\/a><\/strong>, <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/ottorino-respighi\/"\">Respighi<\/a><\/strong>, <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/benjamin-britten\/"\">Britten<\/a><\/strong>, Rossini and more. There\u2019s a freshness and vitality to this ensemble that few can match.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/opera\/antonio-pappano-conducts-verdis-aida\/"\">Verdi\u2019s Aida<\/em><\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nAnja Harteros, Jonas Kaufmann, Erwin Schrott, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Ludovic T\u00e9zier; Orchestra e coro dell\u2019Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia\/Sir Antonio Pappano<br\/>Warner Classics 2564610663<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/opera\/antonio-pappano-conducts-verdis-aida\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Orchestra-dellAccademia-Nazionale-Ekaterina-Semenchuk\/dp\/B00Y9GQT7E\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=verdi+aida+pappano&qid=1610039571&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8072459--verdi-aida"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Philadelphia Orchestra<\/h3>\nLike Cleveland under Szell and Chicago under Solti, the Philadelphia Orchestra is another top-drawer unit whose rise to success can be attributed at least in part to one great conductor. In this case, it\u2019s the great Eugene Ormandy (interestingly, like Szell, Solti and many other great conductors, of Hungarian parentage).<\/p>\nUnder Ormandy\u2019s extraordinary 44-year tenure from 1936 to 1980, the Philadelphians earned a reputation for an incredible smoothness of tone: a plush, well-upholstered sound that\u2019s heard to great effect in landmark recording achievements such as their Tchaikovsky symphony cycle, for many the best such cycle on offer. In particular, the luscious string tone coming out of \u2018Philly\u2019 was often singled out for praise.<\/p>\nThe orchestra is currently enjoying another purple patch under the directorship of Yannick N\u00e9zet-S\u00e9guin.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/rachmaninov-symphony-no-1-symphonic-dances\/"\">Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1 \/ Symphonic Dances<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nPhiladelphia Orchestra\/Yannick N\u00e9zet-S\u00e9guin<br\/>DG 483 9839\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/rachmaninov-symphony-no-1-symphonic-dances\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8862912--rachmaninov-symphony-no-1-symphonic-dances"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""Beethoven\" symphony=\"\" no.=\"\" iv=\"\" fischer=\"\" concertgebouworkest=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-4788Tmz9Zo?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nBased in Amsterdam, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra came of age under the baton of conducting god Bernard Haitink, who stayed with the orchestra for over 25 years until 1988. His tenure wasn\u2019t without controversy, however, and in the face of cuts in government financial support, Haitink threatened to resign.<\/p>\nRiccardo Chailly took over from Haitink, continuing the orchestra\u2019s rule in Mahler, Brahms and 20th<\/sup>-century repertoire including <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/dmitri-shostakovich\/"\">Shostakovich<\/a><\/strong> and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/composers\/igor-stravinsky\/"\">Stravinsky<\/a><\/strong>. The RCO\u2019s fortunes continued with Mariss Jansons in post from 2004 who released spectacular recordings of Mahler, Bruckner, Shostakovich and much else. Daniele Gatti took over from Jansons in 2016, but was forced to stand down two years later following investigations into complaints of alleged inappropriate behaviour. The RCO is one of the most distinctive orchestras in the world \u2013 its smooth sound has no doubt been helped by the exceptional acoustics of the Concertgebouw main hall itself.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/mahler-symphony-no-1-2\/"\">Mahler: Symphony No. 1<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nLeipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra\/Riccardo Chailly<br\/>Accentus Music ACC 20335 62:24 mins<\/i><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/mahler-symphony-no-1-2\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/8399879--mahler-symphony-no-1-in-d-major-titan"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Singapore Symphony Orchestra<\/h3>\nThe SSO is (by a whisker) the second youngest orchestra on our list, having been founded as recently as 1978. Among its notable features are its principal concert venue, the sinuous and futuristic <a title=\""Esplanade\" theatres=\"\" on=\"\" the=\"\" bay=\"\" href=\""https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Esplanade_%E2%80%93_Theatres_on_the_Bay"\">Esplanade \u2013 Theatres on the Bay<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe SSO has already made a healthy number of recordings with labels including BIS Records. Its catalogue includes the first recording of the complete cycle of Alexander Tcherepnin\u2019s six piano concertos and four symphonies on BIS. There was also a much-praised 2007 recording of Debussy\u2019s La Mer<\/em>. Here\u2019s our <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/works\/quick-guide-debussys-la-mer\/"\">guide to Debussy\u2019s La Mer<\/em><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nRecommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/shostakovich-jazz-variety\/"\">Shostakovich: Jazz & Variety<\/strong><\/a><br\/>\nSingapore Symphony Orchestra\/Andrew Litton<br\/>BIS BIS-2472 (CD\/SACD)<\/em><\/p>\nRead our review <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/reviews\/orchestral\/shostakovich-jazz-variety\/"\">here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.europadisc.co.uk\/classical\/223680\/Shostakovich_-_Jazz_and_Variety:_Suites.htm"\">Buy from EuropaDisc<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/9320304--shostakovich-jazz-variety-suites"\">Buy from Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra<\/h3>\n<iframe title=\""Vienna\" philharmonic=\"\" new=\"\" year=\"\" concert=\"\" width=\""200"\" height=\""113"\" src=\""https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AAxfmbjqrKQ?feature=oembed"\" frameborder=\""0"\" allow=\""accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\nThe 190 year-old Vienna Phil\u2019s USP is its refusal to appoint a permanent principal conductor \u2013 which means that its players rule the roost. It\u2019s also an orchestra previously mired by accusations of extreme conservatism: its first female member was not admitted until 1997. Today, however, the gender balance within is happier, and the orchestra plays with the same polish and sheen that has been the bedrock of its reputation over the years. On the surface, the VPO sounds different from most orchestras simply because it uses a higher-pitch tuning and different instruments including its clarinets (German \u00d6hler system), a special \u2018Wiener\u2019 oboe and the \u2018Vienna\u2019 horn. But these aside, the VPO is still a crack <a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/what-instruments-make-up-an-orchestra\/"\">orchestra<\/a><\/strong>, admired across the world. The orchestra performs its world-famous Johann Strauss-themed New Year\u2019s Day concerts each year, broadcast to millions across the world.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/when-was-viennas-musikverein-built\/"\">When was Vienna\u2019s Musikverein built?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>Recommended recording:<\/strong><\/p>\nMozart: The Marriage of Figaro<\/strong><\/p>\nHilde Gueden (Susanna), Cesare Siepi (Figaro), Lisa della Casa (Countess Almaviva), Alfred Poell (Count Almaviva), Suzanne Danco (Cherubino), Vienna Philharmonic\/Erich Kleiber<br\/>Decca 4663692<\/em><\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Mozart-nozze-Figaro-Wolfgang-Amadeus\/dp\/B00000JXZB\/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=figaro+vienna+kleiber&qid=1610039953&quartzVehicle=80-1030&replacementKeywords=vienna+kleiber&sr=8-1&tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0"\" rel=\""sponsored" noopener noreferrer\" target=\""_blank"\">Buy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\""https:\/\/www.prestomusic.com\/classical\/products\/7931899--mozart-le-nozze-di-figaro-k492"\">Buy on Presto Classical<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>Please note this list is in alphabetical order.<\/strong><\/em><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Oliver Condy Published: Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 12:00 am Comprising a list of the best orchestras in the world was no easy feat, with dozens \u2013 if not hundreds \u2013 of leading modern orchestras and period bands around the world, all making waves in their respective countries and bringing music to the masses. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":22252,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"18"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2022\/11\/the-best-orchestras-in-the-world-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Oliver Condy Published: Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 12:00 am Comprising a list of the best orchestras in the world was no easy feat, with dozens \u2013 if not hundreds \u2013 of leading modern orchestras and period bands around the world, all making waves in their respective countries and bringing music to the masses.…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/22251"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22252"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}