WDR Orchestra, Köln

The Cologne Radio Orchestra was founded in 1947 from the Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk Hamburg network. In 1956, the orchestra arrived beneath the aegis from the Westdeutscher Rundfunk. The orchestra has already established a recognized 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 from the Westdeutscher Rundfunk before Cologne Philharmonie opened up in 1986.