Koninklijk Concertgebouw Orkest

Formed in 1888, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, also known as the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, established itself as a prestigious ensemble with its inaugural performance at the Concertgebouw hall. Under the direction of Willem Kes and later Willem Mengelberg, the orchestra flourished, achieving international acclaim for its performances and recordings, although its repertoire initially leaned towards Germanic composers. Mengelberg's controversial stance during World War II led to his dismissal, and subsequent conductors like Eduard van Beinum and Bernard Haitink expanded the orchestra's repertoire and maintained its high standards of performance.

Following a lineage of distinguished conductors, Riccardo Chailly and Mariss Jansons continued to elevate the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra's reputation through diverse programming and acclaimed recordings. Today, with a roster of 120 musicians, the orchestra remains a beacon of excellence in the classical music world, celebrated for its rich history and ongoing commitment to musical artistry.