Since its creation the Orchestre national d’Auvergne is synonymous among French orchestras for its striving for a special sound, a strength, a certain quest for perfection. Its reputation for sensitive and adventurous programming, spanning six centuries, is well-known in France and on the international stage. 1981 saw the founding of this permanent chamber orchestra in the heart of the Massif Central, and from the beginning desirous of a strong presence on both regional and international levels. The orchestra aims to bring music to a wide and diverse audience while assuming a strong educative role. In the Auvergne it pursues many outreach activities and in 2019 received the Label « Orchestre national en région » awarded by the Ministry of Culture. It’s artistic project, although anchored on its home territory, also involves touring in many countries around the world and developping an innovative recording policy. In January 2019, the orchestra launched its own digital label « OnA Live », with more than 95,000 listeners in 86 countries. It has also recorded over 50 albums during the last 40 years. Their spirit of cohesion and comradeship is nurtured by former and present musical directors Jean-Jacques Kantorow, Arie van Beek and Roberto Forés Veses. The conductor and violinist Thomas Zehetmair will be its next Principal Conductor as of the 2021-2022 season, his artistic team associating Enrico Onofri and Christian Zacharias.