The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (DNSO), based in Copenhagen, is a prestigious ensemble that serves as the principal orchestra of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR). Founded in 1925 by singer Emil Holm and a group of dedicated musicians, the orchestra began with just 11 players and quickly expanded to 30 within a year. Their inaugural public concert took place in 1927, and by 1928, they were performing weekly concerts, establishing a strong presence in the Danish music scene.

Throughout its history, the DNSO has been led by several influential conductors. Launy Grøndahl was the first to guide the orchestra, albeit without a formal title. The first official principal conductor was Herbert Blomstedt, who served from 1967 to 1977 and gained acclaim for his recordings of Carl Nielsen’s works. Following Blomstedt, notable conductors such as Lamberto Gardelli and Thomas Dausgaard further enhanced the orchestra’s reputation, with Dausgaard being the first Danish conductor to hold the principal conductor title.

In 2010, the DNSO appointed Søren Nils Eichberg as its first composer-in-residence, showcasing the orchestra’s commitment to contemporary music. The ensemble has also made significant strides in recording, collaborating with various labels to produce works by both Danish and international composers, including Johannes Brahms and lesser-known Danish figures.

Currently, Fabio Luisi serves as the principal conductor, having extended his contract multiple times through 2029. Under his leadership, the DNSO has continued to thrive, even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, releasing notable albums that highlight their versatility and dedication to both classical and modern repertoire.