The MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra is Germany’s oldest radio orchestra. Today it is one of the liveliest and most innovative ensembles of its kind in Europe. In addition to featuring regularly on radio and television, the orchestra is committed to the challenge of producing first-class recordings, as well as to performing numerous concerts and to sharing its expertise and enthusiasm via children and youth projects. In this way the orchestra maintains and builds a close connection to young and old, and is always able to inspire new audiences for music.

The orchestra is based in Leipzig and services the three states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. This region is one of the most important areas in musical history worldwide. Many famous composers such as Bach, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Schumann, Liszt and Weill have shaped the musical landscape of this region over hundreds of years. The MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra upholds and continues this rich tradition and pushes the borders of new music with current film music and cross-genre experiments.

The orchestra can be heard worldwide via the European Broadcasting Union, numerous award-winning recordings, international tours and guest performances at festivals, all of which contribute to its role as a musical ambassador for Central Germany.

2012/13 marks the first season of the internationally acclaimed conductor Kristjan Järvi, as new principal conductor. He takes over as the successor in an illustrious line of personalities including Hermann Abendroth, Herbert Kegel, Wolf-Dieter Hauschild, Fabio Luisi and Jun Märkl.