Kölner Rundfunkorchester Orchestra   

The Cologne Radio Orchestra was founded in 1947 by the Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk Hamburg network. In 1956, the orchestra came under the aegis of the Westdeutscher Rundfunk. The orchestra has had a distinguished roster of conductors, including Christoph von Dohnányi (1964 - 1969), Zdenek Macal (1970 - 1974), Hiroshi Wakasugi (1977 - 1983), Gary Bertini (1983 - 1991), Hans Vonk (1991 - 1997), and Semyon Bychkov (from 1997). From 1951, the orchestra performed in the hall of the Westdeutscher Rundfunk until the Cologne Philharmonie opened in 1986.

© Robert Adelson, All Music Guide