The Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden (Saxon State Orchestra, Dresden) is an orchestra based in Dresden, Germany founded in 1548. It is one of the world's oldest orchestras.

The orchestra has had many eminent chief conductors. In its early years, Heinrich Schütz was associated with it, and in the nineteenth century Carl Maria von Weber and Richard Wagner were both principal conductors. In the twentieth century, Richard Strauss became closely associated with it, as both a conductor and a composer, with several of his works being premiered by the ensemble. Karl Böhm and Rudolf Kempe were also principal conductors.

Herbert Blomstedt was musical director of the Staatskapelle from 1975 to 1985. With them he recorded a complete cycle of Beethoven's nine symphonies.

Giuseppe Sinopoli was its principal conductor at the time of his death in 2001. In August 2002, Bernard Haitink took up the post, until his sudden resignation in 2004 over disputes with the Staatskapelle's Intendant, Gerd Uecker, on the orchestra's choice of successor.[1]. In August 2007 Fabio Luisi began his tenure as principal conductor, having been named to the post in January 2004.

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