Since its founding in 1891 the Royal Scottish National Orchestra has worked with some of the world’s most respected conductors and soloists, among them Gustav Holst, Richard Strauss, Artur Rubinstein, Aaron Copland, Luciano Pavarotti and Elmer Bernstein, with Principal Conductors including John Barbirolli, George Szell and Walter Susskind. 

The figure with arguably the most profound influence was Sir Alexander Gibson, Principal Conductor for a remarkable twenty- five years from 1959 to 1984. Gibson launched a pioneering Sibelius series and led the orchestra on acclaimed tours of Europe and North America. More recent figures, such as Neeme Järvi, Bryden Thomson, the recently departed Walter Weller, Alexander Lazarev and Stéphane Denève, are remembered fondly for their huge contributions to the orchestra in live concerts, acclaimed recordings and extensive tours. 

Her Majesty The Queen became the orchestra’s Patron in 1977.