The orchestra is highly regarded for masterful interpretations of a broad repertoire ranging from classical and romantic music up to contemporary compositions. NOSPR has played an instrumental role in the rise of the Polish 20th-century musical avant-garde, premiering works by composers including Witold Lutosławski, Wojciech Kilar, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, and Krzysztof Penderecki. Over the years, its artistic direction has been entrusted to distinguished conductors from Poland and abroad, such as Lawrence Foster, Alexander Liebreich, Jan Krenz, Kazimierz Kord, Tadeusz Strugała, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Antoni Wit, Gabriel Chmura, and Jacek Kaspszyk. Currently, the ensemble’s rich musical tradition is being continued under the artistic leadership of Marin Alsop.
Since 2014, NOSPR has been based in a state-of-the-art concert hall located on the site of a former coal mine in the centre of Katowice. Designed by architect Tomasz Konior, the building reflects characteristic elements of the region’s rich industrial heritage. The acoustics of the main concert hall, created by Yasuhisa Toyota (Nagata Acoustics), are widely recognised among the finest in the world.
Alongside its subscription series of symphonic concerts, NOSPR presents a broad artistic programme that includes chamber music, early music, special projects and festivals – among them the Festival of Premieres and Katowice Culture Nature Festival. Education and outreach are integral to the orchestra’s mission. Key initiatives in this area include the International Karol Szymanowski Music Competition, the NOSPR Academy for young musicians, and the Masterclasses for Young Conductors initiated and led by Marin Alsop.
