The Bel Air Collection

The Russian State Orchestra

The Russian State Orchestra

The Russian State Orchestra was founded in 1936 and is one of the leading orchestras of the Russian Federation. Along with such names as Bolshoi Theatre and the Kirov Ballet, it has come to personify the pride and glory of Russia’s musical culture. The orchestra has had five renowned music directors: Alexander Gouk (1936-41), Nathan Rakhlin (1941-45), Konstantin Ivanov (1945-65), Evgeni Svetlanov (1965-2000), and presently Vassily Sinaisky.

The orchestra is a frequent participant in various music festivals worldwide, including the Edinburgh Festival, the Athens Music Festival, the Florentine May Festival and the Lugano Music Festival. Performing in all the most famous concert halls in the world, the orchestra participates in international tours every year.

Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1951 by Samuel Samosud, a distinguished conductor of the Bolshoi Opera, and is regarded as one of the world’s finest symphony ensembles. In 1958, Kiril Kondrashin began a long-lasting relationship with the orchestra Under his direction, the orchestra toured extensively throughout the world, including a highly successful seven week tour of the USA in 1965. In 1976, Dmitry Kitaenko became music director of the Moscow Philharmonic, providing a new creative force. The Orchestra returned to the USA in 1970, 1979, 1990, 1994 (twice, including a tour with Van Cliburn for his celebrated return appearance) and in 1995. Maestro Kitaenko resigned in 1990 and Vassily Sinaisky took over. In 1996, Mark Ermler was appointed as chief conductor. Two years later, he was succeeded by the eminent Russian conductor, Yuri Simonov, Recently, internationally-renowned conductor, Dmitry Yablonsky, was appointed principal guest conductor.

Among the many distinguished guest conductors of the Moscow Philharmonic have been such musicians as Igor Stravinsky, Zubin Metha, and Igor Markevich. Famous soloists such as Issac Stern, Iehudi Menuhin, Arthur Rubinstein, Glenn Gould, Mauricio Pollini, David Oistrakh, Sviatoslav Richter, Emil Guillels, Mstislav Rostropovich and Yuri Bashmet have performed with the orchestra. The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra has made over one hundred recordings, many of which have been honoured with music’s most coveted prizes, and has performed in over five thousand concerts.

The New Russia Orchestra

The New Russia Orchestra, true to its name, is a product of the dramatic changes that have taken place in Russia over the last few years. It is, however, firmly rooted in the country's rich musical and orchestral traditions. The orchestra has achieved an impressive and outstanding musical quality by drawing it's musicians from the highest ranks of Russia's most famous orchestras. With a core of sixty percent from The Russian National Orchestra, among the ten leading orchestras in the world, and the remaining musicians from The Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, The Moscow Philhamonics and The State Symphony Orchestras. Like The London Philhamonic Orchestra, The New Russia Orchestra was originally formed as a recording ensemble and has now gone on to receive high acclaim for its performances as well.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is one of the best symphony orchestras from Eastern Europe. The NSOU was formed in 1918 by the Counsel of Ministers of Ukraine. The first conductor was Oleksander Horilyj. Natan Rachlin was Artistic Director of the orchestra from 1937-62. Konstantin Simeonov, Stefan Turchak, Volodymyr Kozhuchar, Fedir Hlushchenko, Igor Blazhkov and Theodore Kuchar consequently conducted the orchestra as Principal Conductors. Since April 1999, Volodymyr Sirenko is Chief Conductor of the Orchestra. In the last few years, the NSOU has recorded more than 40 CD’s including Ukrainian and International repertoires. In 1994, the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) rated NSOU's recording of Boris Lyatoshynsky's Symphonies No. 2 and No .3 as "The Best Recording of the Year."