The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra had its origin in 1928 under the aegis of the Music Academy by the initiative of the violinist Sasha Popov, chiefly employing staff and students of the Academy, the latter later forming part of the Royal Military Symphony Orchestra. In 1945 the orchestra was re-formed as the State Symphony Orchestra, known from 1949 under its present title. Sasha Popov remained principal conductor until 1956, when he was followed by a number of leading musicians in that position. Emil Tabakov was appointed chief conductor in 1985 and served as artistic director from 1988 to 2000. Yordan Dafov was principal conductor from 2000 to 2002, succeeded by the present chief conductor, Yavor Dimitrov. The orchestra now has 120 players and continues to hold an important position in the cultural life of Bulgaria, in addition to its many recordings and concert tours abroad.