Since its creation by Ernest Ansermet in 1918, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande has seen over 700 musicians contribute to its history. Currently led by Musical and Artistic Director Jonathan Nott, the OSR is made up of 112 permanent musicians represented by 22 different nationalities. It performs over 80 concerts every year, including 20 abroad. In addition to subscription concerts in Geneva and Lausanne, it performs symphonic programmes for the City of Geneva and the annual United Nations Day concert and accompanies operatic performances at the Grand Théâtre of Geneva.
Well-known for his support for young musicians, British conductor Jonathan Nott led the creation of the new assistant conductor position within the orchestra, to which Columbian conductor Ana María Patiño-Osorio has been appointed to for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
The launch of an “Artist-in-Residence” programme in 2019 promotes the artistic development of the orchestra, and the holder of the position is invited to work with the orchestra at numerous occasions during the season. For its 2023-24 season, the Orchestra welcomes two Artists-in-Residence: composer Michael Jarrell and clarinettist Martin Fröst.
One of the key missions of the OSR is to promote symphonic music amongst the young people who will become tomorrow’s audience and offer them a wide range of activities including family concerts, workshops to try out instruments or tailored made concerts for schools.
In close collaboration with Radio-Television Switzerland since its creation, the OSRs broadcasts over the airwaves date back to its early days, to the benefit of millions of listeners throughout the world. The OSR’s international tours have taken it to the leading concert halls in Europe and Asia, as well as key cities in the Americas.