Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, founded 1888, one of the world's foremost orchestras. It performs at the Royal Concertbegouw [concert building], Amsterdam, Netherlands, designed by Adolf Leonard van Gendt; the main hall is considered one of the world's acoustically outstanding venues. The orchestra's first conductor was Willem Kes. Willem Mengelberg, who succeeded Kes in 1895 and served until 1945, established the orchestra's international reputation. Other conductors who have been closely associated with the orchestra include Pierre Monteux, Bruno Walter, and George Szell. The orchestra is especially known for its performances of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss.
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