La ROSS |
Who are we?
The Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra (ROSS) was established in 1990 through a joint initiative of the Regional Government of Andalusia and the Hon. City Council of Seville, becoming a cornerstone of cultural life in Seville and Andalusia. Since its debut performance in January 1991, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has played an essential role in the musical development of the city, establishing itself as a cultural and educational institution of reference.
The Teatro de la Maestranza, the Orchestra’s current home, serves as the epicenter of its extensive activity, which ranges from symphonic concerts and opera productions to chamber music cycles and educational programs. With a roster of top-level musicians and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, this ensemble enriches Seville’s cultural offerings each season and looks toward the future as an indispensable driving force in the dissemination of classical music in Spain.
HISTORY
The Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra was founded with the aim of transforming the city’s musical landscape and positioning it as a top-tier cultural reference. Since then, it has built a rich history marked by milestones that reflect its artistic excellence and commitment to the promotion of classical music in all its forms.
Early Steps and Notable Conductors
Under the founding leadership of Croatian conductor Vjekoslav Šutej, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra took its first steps with an innovative approach and an artistic quality that quickly set it apart. With both experience and vision, Šutej led the selection process for the 91 founding musicians, who hailed from 19 different nationalities, laying the foundation for an ensemble that combined diversity and talent.
Following his departure in 1996, the Orchestra has been guided by renowned conductors who have left a significant mark on its development, including Klaus Weise (1997–2000), Alain Lombard (2001–2003), Pedro Halffter (2004–2014), John Axelrod (2014–2019), and Marc Soustrot (2021–2024). Currently, the artistic direction is in the hands of Lucas Macías Navarro, who continues to expand the repertoire and strengthen the Orchestra’s position in the symphonic and operatic realms.
Institutional Recognition and Artistic Ambition
In 1995, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra was granted the title of “Royal” by the Spanish Royal Household, a recognition that underscored the prestige the Orchestra had achieved in just five years since its founding. This honor, awarded following its acclaimed performance at the wedding ceremony of Infanta Elena in Seville Cathedral, marked a key moment in its history, solidifying its status as one of Spain’s most significant cultural institutions.
Over more than three decades, the ROSS has not only performed the great works of the classical repertoire but has also embraced innovation by exploring less conventional repertoires, such as film music and popular music. Its artistic versatility has led it to participate in opera, zarzuela, and ballet productions, encompassing both classical styles and the Spanish and contemporary repertoire.
30 Years of Openness and Connection with Opera
A remarkable milestone of the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has been the organization of over 30 years of educational concerts, which have brought classical music closer to more than 60,000 students, young people, and families. These concerts have included iconic works such as Peter and the Wolf, The Nutcracker, Grieg’s Peer Gynt, and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, pieces widely recognized for their profound impact on younger generations and carefully selected to foster musical learning and enjoyment. This educational effort has been further enriched through innovative initiatives in collaboration with schools, and with the valuable contributions of renowned educators and musicologists such as Fernando Palacios, Fernando Argenta, and Belén Otxotorena, among others.
The ROSS’s collaboration with the Teatro de la Maestranza has been one of the fundamental pillars of its history, positioning it as one of the few Spanish ensembles capable of regularly performing the grand operatic repertoire with excellence. Since its beginnings, the Orchestra has participated in high-level lyrical productions, solidifying Seville as one of the foremost operatic centers in Spain.
Great Voices, Choirs, and Iconic Productions
In the field of lyric music, the ROSS has accompanied outstanding voices from both the national and international scenes. Among the most prominent Spanish artists are Plácido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé, Teresa Berganza, Josep Carreras, Alfredo Kraus, Carlos Álvarez, Ainhoa Arteta, and José Pons. Internationally, renowned figures such as Frank Peter Zimmermann, Nikolai Lugansky, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Thomas Quasthoff, and Grigory Sokolov have also shone on stage. Furthermore, the Orchestra has collaborated with esteemed choirs such as the Orfeón Donostiarra, the Spanish National Choir, and the Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, contributing excellence and prestige to the productions presented at the Teatro de la Maestranza.
Over the course of three decades, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has played a central role in unforgettable operatic productions such as Rigoletto, Tosca, Aida, Don Giovanni, La Bohème, Nabucco, Turandot, La Traviata, and The Barber of Seville. Additionally, it has participated in zarzuelas and iconic lyrical works such as La Verbena de la Paloma, Marina, and El Asombro de Damasco. These productions have been conducted by renowned maestros and elevated through stage designs by internationally acclaimed artists such as Franco Zeffirelli, Pier’Alli, and Emilio Sagi.
Versatility in Zarzuela and Ballet
In addition to its distinguished symphonic and operatic repertoire, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has demonstrated extraordinary versatility by participating in zarzuela and ballet productions across a wide range of styles. In the realm of ballet, it has collaborated with prestigious international companies in classical works such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle, performing with renowned ensembles like the Ballet of La Scala Theatre in Milan, the Moscow Classical Ballet, the Berlin Staatsoper, the Wiener Staatsoper, and the Spanish National Dance Company.
Furthermore, the Orchestra has engaged in contemporary and Spanish ballet productions, highlighting its commitment to artistic innovation. A notable moment in this area was its participation in the world premiere of the new production of El Amor Brujo alongside the Víctor Ullate Ballet in 1994, a work that merges flamenco tradition with classical music, marking a milestone in its artistic trajectory.
Performative Excellence and Cultural Reference
The work of the ROSS in the pit has received widespread praise for its exceptional ability to adapt to the demands of a broad and challenging repertoire. Its precision and focus, under the baton of great conductors, have been part of its identity since the beginning. National conductors such as Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Jesús López Cobos, and Antoni Ros Marbà, alongside international figures like Yuri Temirkanov, Christoph Eschenbach, and Marc Soustrot, have highlighted the Orchestra’s flexibility and artistic discipline, choosing to collaborate with it on numerous occasions.
The unwavering commitment and excellence of the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra have been essential in supporting and driving the activity of the Teatro de la Maestranza, solidifying it as a first-class cultural reference without the need to rely on external ensembles. Thanks to this collaboration, Seville has been established as a must-visit destination in southern Spain for opera and classical music enthusiasts, attracting audiences from around the world who appreciate the quality of its productions and the Orchestra’s outstanding performances.
Contemporary Recordings and Processional Marches
The Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has made a significant contribution to the recording and dissemination of contemporary music, establishing a unique legacy in the recording field. Among its most notable recordings are works by composer José María Sánchez-Verdú, one of Spain’s leading figures in contemporary music. Recordings such as Alquibla (1998), Paisajes del Placer y de la Culpa (2003), Taqsim (2002), Ciacona (2003), and Qabriyyat (2000) showcase the ROSS’s ability to interpret modern scores with depth and precision, bringing this music to new audiences and preserving a repertoire essential for the development of current music.
In its commitment to Spanish music, the Orchestra has also recorded iconic works such as Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, a cornerstone of the national repertoire, released under the prestigious Naxos label. Furthermore, it has contributed to the promotion of Manuel Castillo’s work, recording compositions like Obertura Festiva and Piano Concerto No. 2, reinforcing its role as an ambassador for great Andalusian composers.
A unique contribution to the recording landscape is its now-referenced recording of Sevillian processional marches, conducted by Vjekoslav Šutej. This album, which adapts these emblematic Holy Week pieces to a symphonic interpretation, represents an iconic fusion of traditional band music and the grand orchestral language. Through these recordings, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has demonstrated its versatility and commitment to preserving and promoting both contemporary and traditional Spanish music, leaving its distinctive mark on the history of Spanish symphonic recording.
A DIFFERENT ORCHESTRA
The ROSS extends its influence beyond the Teatro de la Maestranza to the cultural and educational heart of the city. Its commitment to the community is reflected in initiatives that connect classical music with the public, fostering musical education, artistic creation, and strengthening cultural ties in Seville and Andalusia.
Cultural and Educational Impact of the ROSS
The legacy of the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra extends far beyond its performances on stage. Its presence in the city has created a profound and sustained cultural impact, acting as a catalyst for musical and educational initiatives that have enriched the cultural life of Seville and its surroundings. Thanks to its ongoing activity, the Orchestra has inspired the creation of chamber ensembles formed by its own musicians, offering diverse and accessible repertoires in various venues across the city, fostering greater interaction with the local audience.
In the educational sphere, the ROSS has developed programs aimed at young musicians and students, with a strong emphasis on training new generations. Through workshops and educational concerts, the Orchestra not only brings classical music closer to children but also gives them the opportunity to understand and experience it in a participatory way. Furthermore, many members of the Orchestra combine their work as performers with teaching roles in conservatories and music schools, directly contributing to the development of local talent and solidifying the ROSS's role as a driving force for artistic growth in Andalusia.
The Friends of the ROSS Association: A Bond with the Community
The Friends of the ROSS Association has been a key ally in this endeavor, driving initiatives that strengthen the ties between the Orchestra and the community. Through activities such as chamber music series and the awarding of scholarships, the association has enabled young talents to access high-quality training while promoting a deeper understanding and enjoyment of classical music among the people of Seville.
Furthermore, the association's commitment has been essential in fostering a loyal and engaged audience that not only supports the Orchestra's artistic work but also contributes to its growth as an indispensable cultural institution. This network of collaborations between the ROSS, its musicians, and the Sevillian community reinforces its position as a symbol of the transformative power of music and its ability to bridge the gap between art and society.
The Epicenters of the ROSS and Its Ever-Growing Legacy
The Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra's primary activity takes place in two key venues in the city: the majestic Teatro de la Maestranza and the Sala Turina. The Teatro de la Maestranza, inaugurated on May 2, 1991, with a historic concert led by the ROSS, currently boasts a seating capacity of 1,656 and exceptional acoustics, establishing itself as one of Spain's most important venues for symphonic and operatic music. During the 1992 Universal Exposition, this theater became a cultural epicenter, hosting some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, renowned conductors, soloists, and first-class opera productions from institutions such as La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Staatsoper of Vienna and Dresden.
The Sala Turina, located in the heart of Seville, complements the ROSS's cultural offerings by hosting more intimate concerts and activities, such as chamber music series, in a space with a capacity for approximately 450 people. Known for its refined acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, this venue allows the audience to engage more closely with the musicians, enriching the connection between the artists and attendees and creating a more immersive experience.
CURRENT ACTIVITY AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
The ROSS is defined by its ability to diversify and renew its artistic offerings, adapting to the interests of diverse audiences and the demands of contemporary culture. Its current programming includes a wide range of activities that seamlessly combine tradition and modernity.
Grand Symphonic Cycle
The Grand Symphonic Cycle is the cornerstone of the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra’s season, serving as an essential reference for classical music enthusiasts. This cycle presents masterful performances of the most iconic works in the symphonic repertoire, spanning from the great masters of Classicism and Romanticism to the innovative contemporary music of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Inspired by internationally renowned cycles, the ROSS’s Grand Symphonic Cycle brings together leading national and international performers who, under the baton of distinguished conductors, transform each concert into a unique experience.
To further enrich this experience, pre-concert talks are often held, and detailed program notes are provided, offering valuable context about the works and composers. This approach fosters a deeper and more meaningful connection between the audience and the music. In this way, the Grand Symphonic Cycle is far more than an opportunity to enjoy orchestral music; it serves as a bridge that integrally connects the musicians with the audience.
Chamber Music Cycle: The Essence of the ROSS in an Intimate Format
Each year, the Chamber Music Cycle of the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra stands out as one of the most anticipated offerings of its season, providing an experience that celebrates the richness and versatility of the chamber music repertoire. This cycle brings together ROSS musicians in smaller ensembles, allowing them to explore different instrumental combinations that highlight the essence and timbral colors of each section of the orchestra.
The carefully curated program spans a wide spectrum of chamber music, from works by classical and Romantic masters to modern pieces and innovative transcriptions. The performances feature delicate string ensembles as well as mixed groupings with winds and piano.
In its commitment to the community and education, the Chamber Music Cycle also collaborates with institutions such as Juventudes Musicales and the Conservatorio Superior de Sevilla, offering young performers the opportunity to participate in concerts of the highest level.
Feeling ROSS, A Podcast and Educational Activities
Feeling ROSS is an annual cycle consisting of a diverse program of 13 concerts designed to explore new ways of bringing symphonic music closer to the public. This program stands out for its innovative approach, offering experiences that extend beyond the traditional symphonic repertoire. With proposals ranging from film music and grand musicals to participatory concerts and performances in Seville’s iconic venues, the cycle aims to attract diverse audiences and foster an emotional connection with music.
The program also features immersive audiovisual performances, collaborations with other artistic disciplines, and outdoor presentations, establishing itself as a platform for experimenting with creative formats. As a complement, the ROSS has launched a podcast aligned with its programming, serving as a modern alternative to traditional pre-concert talks. This format allows listeners to access interviews and enjoy an engaging, introductory overview of its diverse concert offerings, strengthening the bond between the Orchestra and its audience.
In addition, Feeling ROSS is enriched by social and educational initiatives, such as school and family concerts, designed to engage new generations with the world of music. These efforts include La ROSS en tu barrio, a program that brings concerts tailored for children and young audiences, combining music, storytelling, and interactive activities to promote educational and social values.
This cycle, which complements the Orchestra’s main programs such as the Grand Symphonic Cycle and Chamber Music Cycle, reaffirms the versatility and creativity of the ROSS, establishing itself as a space to experiment with and enjoy music in innovative formats. Looking ahead, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra seeks to expand its influence through continued high-level artistic collaborations, premieres of new compositions, and international tours, reaffirming its role as a cultural ambassador for classical music in Andalusia. With a commitment deeply rooted in the city, the ROSS continues to prioritize inclusion and innovation.
Digital Projection: The ROSS Towards the Future
In the 2024-2025 season, the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra has taken a significant step in its digital strategy by beginning the recording and publication of all works performed in its Grand Symphonic Cycle through its online platforms. This ambitious project marks the beginning of a long-term digital policy, inspired by leading international orchestras, with the goal of bringing classical music to all of Andalusia and beyond its borders.
These digital initiatives not only aim to preserve the Orchestra’s artistic legacy but also to expand its reach, enabling people from different regions to enjoy its performances from any device. This project represents a strong commitment to accessibility, providing an enriching cultural experience for those unable to attend concerts in person as well as for those wishing to relive them.
This new phase aligns with the already established presence of the ROSS on social media, where creative campaigns have been developed to attract new audiences and foster loyalty among existing listeners. By embracing digitalization, the ROSS ensures that it remains a modern artistic and cultural reference, adapting to new forms of music consumption and guaranteeing its continued projection into the future.