The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin was formed in September 1991 by Moscow-born and educated violinist and conductor Misha Rachlevsky. He had previously founded the New American Chamber Orchestra (1984) and the Chamber Orchestra of Granada, Spain (1989). To celebrate the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin’s 25th anniversary season in 2016, Rachlevsky renamed his ensemble the Russian String Orchestra (RSO).

In its first 28 seasons, the orchestra performed over 2,500 concerts in Russia and on tours to 26 countries on four continents, released over 30 recordings, won several notable awards; and commissioned and premiered numerous works by composers from Russia, Europe and the US.

In 2019, the RSO will undertake its third three-week residency at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where they will showcase the extent and variety of their acclaimed touring repertoire, from the most profound compositions to popular encores. The challenge of being one of very few Russian orchestras of international repute which does not rely on state funding fuels the ensemble’s quest to fully realise its potential in concerts, recording studios, and educational projects.

Photo: Olga Konovalova