Since its creation by Ernest Ansermet in 1918, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande has seen over 700 musicians contribute to its history. Led by Jonathan Nott since 2017, the OSR is made up of 112 permanent musicians represented by 22 different nationalities. It performs over 80 concerts every year, including 20 abroad. In addition to subscription concerts in Geneva and Lausanne, it performs symphonic programmes for the City of Geneva and the annual United Nations Day concert and accompanies operatic performances at the Grand Théâtre of Geneva. Over the decades, the OSR has built up an international reputation thanks to its historic recordings and its interpretation of the 20th-century French and Russian repertories.
The launch of the artist in residence programme in 2019 promotes the artistic development of the orchestra. The OSR received saxophonist Valentine Michaud for 2024-25 season.
In 2022, the OSR created the position of assistant conductor to give young talent the opportunity to work in close proximity with the musical and artistic director and the orchestra to acquire a precious experience in the management of an orchestra.
One of its key missions is to promote symphonic music amongst the young people and offer them a wide range of activities. These include notably Family Concerts series, educational programmes, concerts for schools.
In close collaboration with Radio-Television Switzerland since its creation, the OSRs broadcasts over the airwaves date back to its early days, to the benefit of millions of listeners throughout the world. Its international tours have taken it to the leading concert halls in Europe and Asia as well as key cities in the Americas.