Richard Strauss

In 1904 Theodore Thomas — our founder and first music director — introduced his friend Richard Strauss to the Orchestra. After rehearsing the ensemble, the composer and conductor said, “It is my pleasure and my pride to be able to direct today so faultless an orchestra and to hear my music played in a manner so completely in accordance with my every wish.” Since then and throughout the Orchestra's history, the music of Strauss has taken pride of place in the repertoire with numerous remarkable performances and recordings.