Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, affectionately known in France as “Le Philhar,” was founded in 1937 by Radiodiffusion France in Paris. The first Principal Conductor was Rhené-Baton. In addition to public concerts, the orchestra initially recorded repertoire for radio broadcasts. It comprises around 140 members today and performs more than 50 different programs per season at the Maison de la Radio and the Paris Philharmonie, as well as on worldwide tours. It also regularly focuses on contemporary works, presenting about 25 new pieces every year. Following Gilbert Amy, Marek Janowski, and Myung-Whun Chung, the Finn Mikko Franck took on the position of Music Director from 2015 until the summer of 2025. His successor will be Jaap van Zweden, starting in the 2026-27 season. Such composers as Aaron Copland and Pierre Boulez have conducted the orchestra, which has also been joined by leading stars such as Gustavo Dudamel and Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Today, the orchestra works closely with Marin Alsop, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Barbara Hannigan, Daniel Harding, and Lahav Shani. Its concerts are broadcast on France Musique and Arte, and many are available online. In recent years, the orchestra has released numerous recordings on the Alpha label, including performances of works by Franck, Debussy, Strauss, Stravinsky, and Shostakovich. “Le Philhar” has shown creativity in developing new concert formats, presenting short concerts, film scores, and “Hip Hop Symphonique.” It is also committed to social and educational work through school projects and performances in hospitals. In addition, the orchestra is an ambassador for UNICEF France. 

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France has appeared only once before at Lucerne Festival (IMF): in the summer of 1962, when it gave two concerts under the direction of Jean Fournet and Jean Martinon.

April 2025