Radio Bratislava Symphony Orchestra
The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (SRSO), originally known as the Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, is a distinguished symphony orchestra based in Bratislava, Slovakia. Established in 1929, it was the first professional symphony orchestra in Slovakia, founded to serve the Slovak Radio. The orchestra has a rich history of collaboration with prominent Slovak composers such as Alexander Moyzes, Eugen Suchoň, and Ján Cikker, contributing significantly to the promotion of Slovak music.
The orchestra's first chief conductor was František Dyk, and it has been led by several notable conductors over the years, including Krešimir Baranović, Ľudovít Rajter, Ladislav Slovák, and Ondrej Lenárd, who served as principal conductor from 1977 to 1990 and returned to the role in the 2019/2020 season. The SRSO is known for its extensive recording work, particularly with labels like Naxos Records, and has gained international recognition through its broadcasts and performances at major music festivals.
Throughout its history, the orchestra has been committed to performing contemporary Slovak music and has made numerous recordings of 19th and 20th-century compositions. The SRSO continues to be a vital part of Slovakia's cultural heritage, maintaining a strong presence both domestically and internationally.