Vienna Symphony Orchestra

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Vienna Symphony Orchestra (Ger. Wiener Symphoniker). Orch. founded in 1900 as Wiener Konzertverein Orchester. In 1921 it merged with Verein Wiener Tonkünstler (formed 1907 under Oskar Nedbal) and became Wiener Sinfonie-Orchester. It assumed present name in 1933, with over 120 players. Administered by Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Wiener Konzerthausgesellschaft, Bregenz Fest., and Austrian Radio. First cond. was Ferdinand Löwe, 1900–24. In 1934 became Vienna's main broadcasting orch. and in 1938 was taken over by city as its municipal orch. Made many recordings.