The National Symphony Orchestra (of Ireland), previously the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, has been at the centre of Ireland’s cultural life since 1948 when the Raidió Éireann Symphony Orchestra, as it was originally called, was founded. In 2022 the orchestra transferred to the remit of the National Concert Hall, Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for music. The orchestra plays a central role in classical music in Ireland through year-long programmes of live performances, schools and educational projects, broadcasts, recordings and new commissions.

World-class conductors associated with the orchestra’s early days were Jean Martinon, Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt, Edmond Appia, Milan Horvat, Sir John Barbirolli and Tibor Paul. Distinguished gues...