Established in 1952, the Munich Radio Orchestra has developed into a body engaged in a wide spectrum of musical activity. There have been gala concerts and opera concert performances in particular, under the direction of Marcello Viotti, as well as a Paradisi Gloria series devoted to the sacred music of the 20th century, concerts for children and young people, and theme evenings.

From 1952 to 1967 the orchestra was under the direction of Werner Schmidt-Boelcke, followed by Kurt Eichhorn until 1975, and from then until 1981 Heinz Wallberg. From 1982 to 1985 the orchestra was under the direction of Lamberto Gardelli, then, briefly, under that of Giuseppe Patané. After a series of guest conductors the direction was assumed, in 1992 by Roberto Abbado, succeeded in 1998 by Marcello Viotti, with his particular expertise in Italian and French operatic repertoire, and under whom the active musical programme of the orchestra continues to prosper.