RIAS Symphonie-Orchester Berlin

German Symphony Orchestra

The RIAS Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, which was later known as the Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and then transformed into the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO Berlin), has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1946. The orchestra was established under the auspices of the American occupation forces in post-war Berlin, with the name RIAS standing for "Rundfunk im amerikanischen Sektor" (Broadcasting in the American Sector). It quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and recordings. Under the leadership of distinguished conductors such as Ferenc Fricsay, who served as its chief conductor from 1948 to 1954 and again from 1959 until his death in 1963, the orchestra made significant contributions to classical music both in live performances and through their extensive discography. They have performed a wide repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary works, and their recordings have included major operatic works such as Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte" and Donizetti's "Lucia Di Lammermoor." The RIAS Symphonie-Orchester Berlin has collaborated with many renowned soloists and has played an important role in the cultural landscape of Berlin and beyond.