The WDR Funkhausorchester is a German orchestra known for its light music and pops programs, educational outreach projects, and radio broadcasts. It also collaborates with international soloists and participates in multidisciplinary arts such as film, drama, and comedy. The ensemble was formed in 1947 as the Kölner Rundfunkorchester and was initially led by conductor Hermann Hagestedt. In addition to regular performances at the Kölner Philharmonie and the Funkhaus Wallrafplatz, the group can also be found at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the Alte Oper Frankfurt, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Appealing to a very broad audience, it presents the standard orchestral repertoire, film music, contemporary works, and crossover genres. Wayne Marshall served as the chief conductor from 2014 to 2020, and he was succeeded by Frank Strobel, who was appointed in 2021. Enrico Delamboye also leads the ensemble as its principal guest conductor. Recent collaborators include artists such as Jonas Kaufmann, Eckart von Hirschhausen, and the Manhattan Transfer. The orchestra can be heard on the live album from 2020, Born to Play Gershwin and the 2023 release Nino Rota: War and Peace; Catel de Monte; Orchestra Rehearsal; Harp Concerto; Concerto for strings, conducted by Felix Bender and Michael Seal. ~ RJ Lambert, Rovi