Founded in 1918 by conductor Ernest Ansermet, nearly 700 musicians have contributed to the reputation of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR), built over the years through its historic recordings and interpretations of 20th-century French and Russian repertoires. Representing 22 different nationalities, the OSR consists of 112 permanent musicians. Under the leadership of Tugan Sokhiev, Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor from the 2026-2027 season, the orchestra performs over 80 concerts each year. These include subscription concerts in Geneva and Lausanne, the Geneva City symphonic concerts, the annual concert for the United Nations Day, and lyric performances at the Grand Théâtre de Genève.
A world-renowned ensemble, the OSR has actively shaped musical history under its founder and successive music directors: Paul Klecki (1967–1970), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1970–1980), Horst Stein (1980–1985), Armin Jordan (1985–1997), Fabio Luisi (1997–2002), Pinchas Steinberg (2002–2005), Marek Janowski (2005–2012), Neeme Järvi (2012–2015), Jonathan Nott (2017–2025), as well as its principal guest conductor Kazuki Yamada (2012–2017). The orchestra has consistently invited audiences to discover works by contemporary composers. Supporting symphonic creation, and Swiss composers, is one of the OSR’s primary missions. The orchestra has participated in the premieres of works by Igor Stravinsky, Darius Milhaud, Arthur Honegger, Frank Martin, André-François Marescotti, Benjamin Britten, Witold Lutosławski, Heinz Holliger, William Blank, Peter Eötvös, James MacMillan, Pascal Dusapin, Nina Šenk, Michael Jarrell, Sandrine Rudaz, and Ezko Kikoutchi.
Launched in 2019, the artist-in-residence program has welcomed composers Yann Robin and Michael Jarrell, pianists Francesco Piemontesi and Marc Perrenoud, violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann, clarinettist Martin Fröst, Daniel Harding as conductor-in-residence, and most recently saxophonist Valentine Michaud during the 2024-25 season. This program enables the orchestra to build rich artistic relationships and foster renewal.
In 2022, the OSR created the position of Assistant Conductor to allow young talents to work directly with the Music Director and the orchestra in preparing concert programs, recordings, operas, and tours, while gaining valuable experience in orchestra management. Since 2024, the OSR has reserved this position exclusively for female conductors. Martyna Szymczak has been appointed Assistant Conductor for the 2026-27 season.
Since its early days, the OSR has collaborated closely with Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), with its concerts broadcast on radio waves and heard by millions worldwide. Thanks to a partnership with Decca (over 100 records), which produced legendary recordings, the OSR has confirmed its presence on the global music scene. The orchestra has recorded with a dozen international labels, earning numerous distinctions.