Südwestfunkorchester Baden-Baden

German Radio Symphony Orchestra

The Südwestfunkorchester Baden-Baden, now known as the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg, was a German radio orchestra based in Baden-Baden. It was founded in 1946 and became widely recognized for its performances and recordings of classical music. The orchestra had a significant association with the conductor Hans Rosbaud, who served as its chief conductor from 1948 until his death in 1962. Rosbaud was known for his expertise in both the classical repertoire and contemporary music, and under his leadership, the Südwestfunkorchester Baden-Baden gained a reputation for its high standards of performance and for championing new works. The orchestra has recorded extensively, and their albums featuring Rosbaud's interpretations of works by composers such as Weber and Mendelssohn are particularly noted for their historical and musical value. After several mergers, the ensemble continued to thrive as part of the SWR Symphony Orchestra, maintaining its tradition of excellence in performance and recording.