This orchestra was founded in Glasgow in 1891 under the name the Scottish Orchestra. In 1950, after nearly 60 years of performing, they became full-time, and in 1991 were awarded Royal Patronage.
The became internationally known under the conductorship of Sir Alexander Gibson, who is the longest-serving holder of that position, and their acclaim has continued to grow under the leadership of Neeme Jarvi, Bryden Thomson and the current holder of the position, Stephane Deneve, to name but a few. Other acclaimed conductors that have led the orchestra include John Barbirolli, Max Bruch and George Szell.
Often noted for their works on Scandinavian composers they appear in concerts all over Scotland, as well as throughout Europe, and have made numerous recordings from the Henry Wood Hall in Glasgow. These recordings, that are in excess of 200, include works by many classical composers, several film soundtracks and with popular artists such as the Scottish singer Eddie Reader.
Supported by the RSNO Chorus they perform their home concerts from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and are controlled by the Scottish Executive. They have won awards for their community engagement programmes that help in developing a musical appreciation for people throughout the country and their concert series Naked Classics is put on where the stories behind the great masterpieces of classical music are uncovered.
Hugo Emil Alfven recordings
Festival Overture
NAX 8.553962
Conductor – Niklas Willen
Mountain King, The
Naxos 8.553962
Conductor – Niklas Willen
Swedish Rhapsody No. 1
Naxos 7 30099 47292 0
Conductor – Niklas Willen
Swedish Rhapsody No. 3, (Dalecarlian Rhapsody)
NAX 8.553729
Conductor – Niklas Willen
Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Opus 7
Naxos 8.553962
Conductor – Niklas Willen
Sources:
- http://www.rsno.org.uk/cms/content/blogcategory/25/217/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Scottish_National_Orchestra