The Czech National Symphony Orchestra (ČNSO or CNSO) ( cs, Český národní symfonický orchestr) is a Czech

symphony orchestra An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families. There are typically four main sections of instruments: * bowed string instruments, such as the violin, viola, ce ...

based in Prague. The orchestra principally gives concerts at the Smetana Hall, Municipal House (''Smetanova síň Obecního domu''). The CNSO also performs at the Rudolfinum.

History

In 1993, trumpet player Jan Hasenöhrl and Zdeněk Košler formed the CNSO, with Košler as the orchestra's first chief conductor. Košler held the post until 1996. From 1996 to 2007, the American conductor Paul Freeman was chief conductor of the CNSO. Since 2007,

Libor Pešek Libor Pešek (22 June 1933 – 23 October 2022) was a Czech conducting, conductor. He was among the most famous conductors of his time, working regularly across Europe as chief conductor of orchestras in Prague, but also for ten years with the ...

is the orchestra's chief conductor. He is scheduled to stand down from the post after the 2018–2019 season. In March 2019, the CNSO announced the appointment of Steven Mercurio as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2019–2020 season. In popular music collaborations, the orchestra played on the Ulf Lundell album ''På andra sidan drömmarna'' in 1996. Lotta Engberg recorded ''Nära livets mening'' together with the orchestra in 2003, and the song was included on the 2005 album '' Kvinna & man''.Dansbandsbloggen 8 March 2005 - ''Påkostat och välgjort''
On 20 August 2003, in a Symphonic Game Music Concert in Leipzig, Germany, the orchestra became the first ensemble to perform music written for video games live outside Japan. The CNSO has collaborated with

Ennio Morricone Ennio Morricone (; 10 November 19286 July 2020) was an Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, and trumpeter who wrote music in a wide range of styles. With more than 400 scores for cinema and television, as well as more than 100 classica ...

on several projects, including the soundtrack to

Giuseppe Tornatore Giuseppe Tornatore (born 27 May 1956) is an Italian film director and screenwriter. He is considered one of the directors who brought critical acclaim back to Italian cinema.Katz, Ephraim, "Italy," ''The Film Encyclopedia'' (New York: HarperRes ...

's '' The Best Offer'' (2003). In 2015, the CNSO toured with the composer during his 60th anniversary tour. In July 2015, Morricone conducted the orchestra for recording sessions of his film score to Quentin Tarantino's '' The Hateful Eight''.

Chief conductors

* Zdeněk Košler (1993–1996) * Paul Freeman (1996–2007) *

(2007–2019) * Steven Mercurio (2019–present)

References

External links

*
Czech National Symphony Orchestra

CNSO studios
{{Authority control 1993 establishments in the Czech Republic Musical groups established in 1993 Czech orchestras National orchestras Music in Prague Organizations based in Prague Cedille Records artists