Russian National Orchestra at the Carlsen Center

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this season, the Russian National Orchestra is firmly established at the front rank of world ensembles. The path taken by the RNO these 10 years is marked by enthusiastic critical acclaim, award-winning recordings and sold-out concerts at home and on international tours.

The RNO was in immediate demand throughout the music world and became the first Russian orchestra to play at the Vatican and to tour Israel. Touring engagements throughout the 1990's brought the RNO to the United States, Asia and Europe and to major international festivals.

In 1996 the RNO launched The Magic of Music, a path-breaking art and music program for young people. In Russia, the orchestra works with orphanages and homes for disabled youth to bring the joy of artistic creativity into the lives of needy, often ignored children. The Magic of Music is also an integral part of the RNO's annual summer residency at Villa Montalvo in Silicon Valley, California, with several special concerts for young audiences performed each year.

The RNO is Russia's first orchestra since 1917 to be free of government control and supported entirely by private funding. It is governed by a distinguished multinational board of trustees and has won the support of a growing number of corporations, foundations and individuals around the globe.

Russian National Orchestra (left) and its music director and principal conductor (right)