RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland is the country's premier orchestral ensemble. It dates back to the founding of Ireland's radio network in the 1920s. In the 1940s, membership expanded to include musicians from all over Europe, formally becoming the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra. Over the years the name changed to Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and then, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. It has championed contemporary music with Irish premieres of artists like Thomas Adès, Wolfgang Rihm, and Bryce Dessner. The orchestra also plays a major role in music education in Ireland, with many school concerts and youth events. It has recorded extensively for Naxos. In 2022, the orchestra was removed from RTÉ's auspice and added to that of the National Concert Hall -- where it has been in residence since 1981 -- and reverted to the name National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland.