Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1918, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is based in De Doelen Hall and is one of the leading orchestras in the Netherlands.



Between 1930 and 1962, Eduard Flipse laid the foundation for the tradition of precision ensemble playing which later became the orchestra's hallmark. After the appointment in 1973 of Edo de Waart, the orchestra gained international acclaim. De Waart conducted the Rotterdam Philharmonic in many outstanding recordings and on international tours. Since 1995 Valery Gergiev has been the orchestra's Music Director. He initiated the Gergiev Festival Rotterdam which has become a major event in the orchestra's season.



The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is active in the commissioning of contemporary music, and is also actively building on its opera tradition with its critically acclaimed opera productions in cooperation with the Netherlands Opera.



Ambition and innovation have always been an important part of the Rotterdam Philharmonic's artistic make-up.One of the orchestra's key goals is to make the symphonic repertoire accessible for as many different audiences as possible. New initiatives, especially in education, are continually explored.