The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra (hr-Sinfonieorchester), one of the best known orchestras in Germany, can look back at a more than 75-year tradition, is now an ensemble with an unusually broad stylistic repertoire which enjoys an international reputation through its radio, concert and CD productions.
In classical-romantic repertoire, discoveries in experimental new music, concerts for children and young people, light classics, or demanding programming concepts – the orchestra of the German Public Radio of Hessen adjusts quickly to different musical styles and continually produces exemplary recordings and interpretations.
Hans Rosbaud set decisive standards as its first conductor up to 1937 in handling musical tradition and contemporary music. After the war, Kurt Schröder and Winfried Zillig committed themselves to rebuilding the orchestra and a broad musical repertoire. Under the Chief Conductors Dean Dixon, Eliahu Inbal, Dmitri Kitaenko, Hugh Wolff and Paavo Järvi, the current Conductor Laureate, the Hessian Radio's musical arm ultimately developed into an internationally renowned orchestra in the following decades, as guest appearances around the world, acclaimed recordings and the regularly cooperation with well-known guest conductors constantly remind us.
The new Chief Conductor of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra from the season 2021/22 is Alain Altinoglu.