The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is one of Europe's leading symphony orchestras. Formed in 1891 as the Scottish Orchestra, the company became the Scottish National Orchestra in 1950, and was awarded Royal Patronage in 1991. Throughout its proud history, the Orchestra has played an important part in Scotland's musical life, including performing at the opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament building in 2004.

You can read more about the history of the RSNO, from its early beginnings as a freelance orchestra (formed to accompany performances by the Glasgow Choral Union) through its halcyon years under the influential leadership of Sir Alexander Gibson, to its present day place at the heart of the nation's musical life, on our RSNO History pages.

RSNO Conductors

Stéphane Denève became Music Director in September 2005, a partnership which enjoys great acclaim, at home and abroad. In September 2010 Christian Kluxen joined the RSNO as Assistant Conductor.

Many renowned conductors have contributed to the Orchestra's success over the years, including Walter Susskind, Sir Alexander Gibson, Bryden Thomson, Conductor Laureate Neeme Järvi, Conductor Emeritus Walter Weller and Conductor Emeritus Alexander Lazarev.

The RSNO Choruses

For choral performances the Orchestra is joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus, Chorus Director Timothy Dean, one of the most distinguished large symphonic choruses in Britain, and the acclaimed RSNO Junior Chorus, Chorus Director Christopher Bell.