Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Music Director: Lahav Shani Honorary Conductors: Valery Gergiev & Yannick Nézet-Séguin The Rotterdam Philharmonic is a modern orchestra which has its roots deep in the classical music tradition. It embodies the temperament of its home base, Rotterdam. Experts say that it distinguishes itself by the intensity of its concerts, the rich variety of its sound and the bold way in which it communicates with its audiences. This is enjoyed by many Rotterdam residents and visitors from far and wide. The orchestra also reaps success on the world’s major stages. Critics are unanimous: this orchestra, along with its music director Lahav Shani, is among the best in the world. The orchestra was founded in 1918. In the '30s, under chief conductor Eduard Flipse, it evolved into one of the most prominent orchestras of The Netherlands. With Jean Fournet and Edo de Waart, the orchestra entered a new era and gained international recognition for its recordings and tours. Valery Gergiev’s appointment as music director in 1995 heralded a new golden era. Yannick Nézet-Séguin succeeded Gergiev as music director at the start of the 2008/09 season. Lahav Shani started his time as the Chief Conductor at the start of the 2018/2019 season. The orchestra is based at de Doelen concert hall. Besides, it assumed a residency of several seasons at the Paris Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. In 2009 contracts with EMI/Virgin Classics and BIS Records were signed. In 2012 a contract with Deutsche Grammophon was signed for cd-releases with Yannick Nézet-Séguin.