The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra was officially founded as a symphonic-sized ensemble in 1948 in Dublin, though its origins traced back to a small ensemble of staff musicians that began broadcasting for the radio channel in 1926. In its early decades, the group frequently hired musicians from the Army School of Music and the Dublin Philharmonic Society, which were directed by Colonel Fritz Brase from 1923. The orchestra played an essential role in Irish cultural life, performing both on radio and in public concerts. Notable conductors included Michael Bowles, Milan Horvat, Tibor Paul, and Albert Rosen. In 1961, with the launch of television broadcasting by Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), the orchestra became Ireland's de facto national orchestra. It relocated to the National Concert Hall in Dublin in January 2022. The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra was led by several principal conductors, including George Hurst and Gerhard Markson. Jaime Martín served as chief conductor, concluding his tenure at the close of the 2023–2024 season.
