The BRSO is one of two full-size symphony orchestras operated under the auspices of Bayerischer Rundfunk, or Bavarian Broadcasting (BR).

Subsequent chief conductors have included Rafael Kubelík, Sir Colin Davis and Lorin Maazel.

In January 2021, the BRSO announced the appointment of Rattle as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2023–2024 season, with an initial contract of 5 years.

[4] The orchestra participates in the musica viva concerts, founded by the composer Karl Amadeus Hartmann, to this day.

[5] The orchestra has recorded for a number of commercial labels, including Deutsche Grammophon,[6] RCA, and EMI.