The Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra is able to trace its roots back to before World War I, when serious musicians in the region were engaged in military instrumental music and other ensembles such as the Military Music Orchestra, the Student Orchestra of the Great Gymnasium of Sarajevo, the Musical Choir for Violins, of the Serbian vocal association “Sloga”, and Mannergesangverein, a musical society comprised of Austrian officials.

During this period, prior to the establishment of the Orchestra, it should be noted that the varied activities of a private music school founded in 1900 by Sarajevans Franjo and Mara Maćejovski, significantly contributed to the development of musical arts and culture in Sarajevo.

The immediate predecessor of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra was the Philharmonic Association Quartet, which consisted of faculty members of the County Music School. The founding members of the Quartet, Josip Hladek (vln), Josip Goldberg (vln), Beluš Jungić (cello), and Klemens Menšik (piano), held their debut concert of classical music, on April 4, 1920, in the hall of Cinema Imperijal.

The first assembly of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra was formally established in July 1923, with the election of its first president, Bogdan Milanković and a supporting Board of Directors. In addition to symphonic concert activities and promoting musical arts in general, the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra possessed the added mandate of developing and encouraging an appreciation of the national and folk music genre of Bosnia and Herzegovina. To achieve these objectives, it was essential that this fine institution develop an audience of discerning Sarajevans as well as refine their musical tastes.

The inaugural Board of Directors quickly commenced organizational activities to prepare the Orchestra and Sarajevans for the 1923/24 concert season. The Board initially adopted the very simple philosophy of "more and better music". For the first year of its existence, the Board focussed on the following guidelines, that are essentially still in effect today, eighty-five years later:

• - Improve and refine the orchestral ensemble;
• - Generate opportunities and incentives for creative works by Sarajevan artists;
• - Organize concerts of renown artists from the Kingdom (at the time) and from abroad; and
• - Create a dedicated artistic centre which would give artists their own unique venue and provide audiences with assured quality.

The first concert of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of A. Lukinić and J. Rozdalovski, was held October 24, 1923. The program featured the Overture from Porin (Lisinski), Concerto for Piano in G Minor (F. Mendelsohn-Bartoldi), and Symphony No. 2 in D Major (L. von Beethoven).

One can gain a better appreciation of the important role that the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra played in shaping the musical life of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, by examining the social, economic and political environment in which the Orchestra existed; from before its founding in 1923 and throughout the next eighty-five years which followed. By exposure to the varying societal influences and artistic genres of music throughout the Orchestra’s history, audiences were able to acquaint themselves with the most important works and composers. By repeated patronage, audiences developed sophistication and insight, which allowed them to truly enjoy and appreciate the subtleties and significance of the ethereal messages conveyed by the composers.

The Balkans did not escape the tragic geo-political events that descended upon the rest of Europe during the twentieth century. All cultural activity, including those of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra, fell prey to the dark days of the Second World War (1939-1945), as musicians and management replaced their instruments and brief cases with weapons and military accoutrements, in the defence of their country. The goal of victory over fascism and aggression was achieved however the subsequent liberation came at a staggering cost of human suffering and material damage. It was not until October 1948 that the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra was re-established and able to contribute to the developing air of normalcy, with the resumption of public performances. In 1983, after four decades of contributing to the artistic and cultural stability of their society, the State recognized the Orchestra by bestowing upon them, the cherished 6th April Prize.

Despite tragic losses and extremely difficult conditions, the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra continued its performance activities during the 1992-1995 aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sadly, during the Siege of Sarajevo, seven members of the Orchestra were killed and twelve suffered critical injuries. It should be noted that during this period, valuable archives sustained major damage and many of the musical instruments were destroyed, damaged or lost. Notwithstanding the terror and hardships associated with this most difficult time, the Orchestra persevered to perform 60 concerts, 20 of which were held abroad. Rehearsals were held in the basement of the National Theatre and during the winter, they were carried out by candle light and under conditions characterized by no running water or heat.

A defining moment in the life of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra occurred on July 19, 1994, when the Orchestra performed Mozart’s Requiem in the ruins of Vijećnica (The Great Counsel Hall). Joining the Orchestra for this extraordinary concert under the musical direction of Maestro Zubin Mehta, were the eminent soloists, José Carreras, Ruggero Raimondi, Cecilia Gasdia and Idiko Komlosi.

In September of 1994, the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra embarked on its first tour of Italy. This successful venture was followed by other international tours including visits to Turkey (1995), Austria (1995, 1996, 1997), Czech Republic (1995), France (1997), Switzerland (1997), USA (1999), Italy (1995-2000, 2005), and Germany (2001, 2002). Through regular visits and guest performances in towns and cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Orchestra has also cultivated the loyal support of countless local and national musical devotees.

Amongst the musical giants who have conducted the Orchestra, this ensemble was most fortunate to have hosted a visit from their Honorary Conductor, Maestro Lord Yehudi Mehuhin, OM, KBE, in October 1996. The following year, having received a personal invitation from the General Secretary of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Mr. Frederic Major, the Orchestra performed to great acclaim in Paris, France.

In July 1997, to the infinite delight of 7,000 music aficionados gathered in Skenderija, Maestro Riccardo Muti conducted a performance of the combined ensembles of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Italian Orchestra and Choir. Earlier that same year in March, the Orchestra recorded its first CD.

Many exceptionally gifted and talented musicians have distinguished themselves through collaboration with the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra. The roster of the national and international conductors who have graced the stage of the National Theatre includes such stellar artists as Maestro Charles A. Ansbacher (Principle Guest Conductor), Maestro Mike Eishenholz, Ernst Schelle, Maestro Riccardo Giovanninio, Gary Braina, Johanesa Wildnera, Arie Van Lysbeth. Soloist of note who have performed with the Orchestra include such celebrities as José Carreras, Jon kimura Parker, Jenny Abel, Ivry Gitlisa, Ana-Maria Vere, Arve Tellefsen, Bernarda Fink-Inzko, Eijin Nimura, Petar Dmitriev, Andrej Dievo, maxim Vangerov, Simon Saheena, Jasminka Stančul, Stefan Milenković, Aleksandra Da Costa, Rudolf Kherer, Ingrid Haberman, José Van Dam, Mary Wilson.

During a State Visit to Sarajevo, the former President of the United States of America, Mr. Bill Clinton, is quoted as saying “…that with its concerts, the members of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra send out sounds of harmony, which should be clear and sweet announcement of a better future …”. The music lovers of this country and around the globe would heartily agree and unquestionably mirror those same sentiments.

For the past eighty-five years, the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra has maintained its premier position as a veritable national treasure of uncompromising quality. The Orchestra continues to be an artistic beacon that draws discerning patrons from all walks of life and give them the opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and revel in the experience of exquisite instrumental and vocal music.