The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra is now in its 77th concert season. Its role in Czech musical life is not only that of a radio orchestra but also a leading artistic ensemble. With great success it organizes its own subscription concerts whose interesting repertoire, outstanding guests and excellent performances gained the orchestra a place in the forefront of Czech culture. Since its establishment the orchestra has been led by supreme Czech artists, such as Otakar Jeremiáš, Alois Klíma and Karel Ančerl.Among its guest conductors have been Karel Boleslav Jirák, Václav Talich, Václav Smetáček and many contemporary composers as well as guests from abroad, among them Charles Munch, Franz Konwitschny, Hermann Scherchen, Genady Rozhdestvensky, Serge Baudo, Leif Segerstam, Sir Charles Mackerras and Tadeusz Strugala. Sergei Prokofiev, Ottorino Respighi, Arthur Honegger, Aram Khachaturian and Krysztof Penderecki have performed their own compositions with the orchestra. In 1985 Vladimír Válek became Chief Conductor. Under his leadership the orchestra has turned into one of the most remarkable symphonic ensembles in Europe, often representing Czech music abroad (including tours of the USA, Japan and the whole of Europe). The orchestra has recorded tens of CDs for leading record companies. Its recording of Ervín Schulhoff´s Piano Concertos with Jan Simon as soloist and conducted by Vladimír Válek received the „Cannes Classical Award 95“.