Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Following the end of the Second World War, Dutch broadcasting associations were commissioned to join to form an orchestra. So it was that the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1945 under the leadership of Albert van Raalte. Initially, it played almost exclusively in the studio, producing music for radio broadcasts, but gradually live concerts were increasingly added, mostly at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht. Premieres and first performances play an important role in the orchestra’s programming. Its principal conductors have included Bernard Haitink, Jean Fournet, Willem van Otterloo, Hans Vonk, Edo de Waart, Jaap van Zweden, and Markus Stenz. Karina Canellakis has served at the helm of the orchestra since 2019, having been appointed to the position immediately after her impressive debut in March 2018. Stéphane Denève has been Principal Guest Conductor since 2023. Antal Doráti, Mariss Jansons, Riccardo Muti, Kurt Masur, Valery Gergiev, and James Gaffigan also provided important inspiration from the podium. Canellakis admires her orchestra’s versatility, seriousness, and openness: “The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra can literally play anything, from Bach to contemporary music.” For its services to Dutch musical life, the orchestra received the Edison Œuvre Award in 2014 and the Concertgebouw Prize in 2017. Its concerts can be heard on NPO Klassiek. It is operated by Dutch Public Broadcasting and participates in the AVROTROS Vrijdagconcert, NTR ZaterdagMatinee and Het Zondagochtend Concert series.

June 2025