The Russian Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Russia’s oldest and most prominent symphony orchestras. It was founded in 1937 by conductor Pavel Sokolov, who led the ensemble for nearly three decades and laid the foundation for its strong artistic reputation. Even in its early years, and despite the challenging times, the orchestra quickly earned recognition from both audiences and the professional community.

During World War II (1941–1945), the orchestra continued to perform, giving concerts for civilians and soldiers and sustaining the nation’s morale. In the post-war period, the orchestra expanded its repertoire and skill, becoming an active participant in major cultural events. In 1965, Alexander Mikhailov became chief conductor, under whose leadership the orchestra undertook its first international tours and made a series of landmark recordings on the Soviet Melodiya record label.

By the 1980s, Russian Symphony had established itself among the country’s leading orchestras, taking part in international festivals and earning high critical praise. After the epochal changes of the 1990s, the ensemble remained true to its high standards while also embracing new contemporary music and attracting younger audiences. In 2019, Vladimir Belousov was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the orchestra, bringing new momentum to the ensemble’s development.

Today, the Russian Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra continues the proud traditions of Russian musical art, combining its rich heritage with an innovative approach. The orchestra regularly performs at prestigious venues in Russia and worldwide, delivering inspiring interpretations of classical and modern repertoire and is rightfully regarded as one of the cultural symbols of the country.