The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra based in Katowice is one of the most important Polish symphony orchestras, as well as a versatile cultural institution.
The orchestra’s history dates back to 1935 and is inextricably linked with Grzegorz Fitelberg, who was entrusted with the task of creating Poland’s first independent radio symphony orchestra. The ensemble made its debut on 2 October 1935 and has been a constant presence on Polish Radio ever since. After the Second World War, the orchestra was reactivated in Katowice, and its reconstruction was entrusted to Witold Rowicki.
Over the following decades, the orchestra gradually strengthened its international reputation, performing in the world’s most important concert halls and collaborating with the greatest artists of our time, including Leonard Bernstein, Martha Argerich and Arthur Rubinstein. The orchestra has premiered works by Witold Lutosławski, Wojciech Kilar, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki and Krzysztof Penderecki, among others, and NOSPR albums have been released by prestigious labels.
Over the years, the orchestra has been led by distinguished conductors including Jan Krenz, Kazimierz Kord, Tadeusz Strugała, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Antoni Wit, Gabriel Chmura, Jacek Kaspszyk, Alexander Liebreich and Lawrence Foster.
Today, the orchestra’s rich musical traditions are cultivated under the artistic direction of Marin Alsop, with Adam Balas serving as its Director.