TSV
World's Major Orchestras - TSV
The world's major orchestras represent the highest level of performance and artistry in classical music. This collection encompasses top-tier symphony orchestras from around the globe, from Europe's traditional prestigious ensembles to America's 'Big Five' and notable orchestras from emerging countries. Each orchestra possesses its own unique musical traditions and performance styles, significantly influencing global music culture through international festivals and recording activities.
orchestra
symphony orchestra
classical music
music
concert
code slug name description founded location musicDirector
01 royal-concertgebouw-orchestra Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra The Netherlands' national orchestra based in Amsterdam. 1888 Amsterdam, Netherlands Klaus Mäkelä (from 2027)
02 berlin-philharmonic Berlin Philharmonic Germany's leading orchestra based in Berlin. 1882 Berlin, Germany Kirill Petrenko
03 vienna-philharmonic Vienna Philharmonic Austria's leading orchestra based in Vienna. 1842 Vienna, Austria No permanent conductor (guest conductor system)
04 london-symphony-orchestra London Symphony Orchestra The UK's leading orchestra based in London. 1904 London, UK Sir Antonio Pappano
05 chicago-symphony-orchestra Chicago Symphony Orchestra One of America's leading orchestras based in Chicago. 1891 Chicago, USA Riccardo Muti
06 bavarian-radio-symphony-orchestra Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra German radio orchestra based in Munich. 1949 Munich, Germany Sir Simon Rattle
07 cleveland-orchestra The Cleveland Orchestra A major American orchestra based in Cleveland. 1918 Cleveland, USA Franz Welser-Möst
08 los-angeles-philharmonic Los Angeles Philharmonic A major American orchestra based in Los Angeles. 1919 Los Angeles, USA Gustavo Dudamel
09 budapest-festival-orchestra Budapest Festival Orchestra Hungarian orchestra based in Budapest. 1983 Budapest, Hungary Iván Fischer
10 dresden-staatskapelle Dresden Staatskapelle One of the world's oldest orchestras based in Dresden. 1548 Dresden, Germany Daniele Gatti
11 boston-symphony-orchestra Boston Symphony Orchestra A major American orchestra based in Boston. 1881 Boston, USA Andris Nelsons
12 new-york-philharmonic New York Philharmonic America's oldest orchestra based in New York. 1842 New York, USA Jaap van Zweden
13 san-francisco-symphony San Francisco Symphony A major American orchestra based in San Francisco. 1911 San Francisco, USA Esa-Pekka Salonen
14 leipzig-gewandhaus-orchestra Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra A prestigious German orchestra based in Leipzig. 1743 Leipzig, Germany Andris Nelsons
15 bergen-philharmonic-orchestra Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Norway's oldest orchestra based in Bergen. 1765 Bergen, Norway Edward Gardner