The Southwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra, in particular, had a specific reputation for its performances of contemporary music.

[1] The SWR Broadcasting Council formally passed the measure in September 2012, with the merger of the two orchestras scheduled for 2016.

[6] In April 2017, the SWR announced the appointment of Teodor Currentzis as the first chief conductor of the orchestra, effective with the 2018–2019 season.

[8] Currentzis, who was scheduled to stand down as the orchestra's chief conductor at the close of the 2024–2025 season, left in June 2024.

In September 2022, the SWR announced the appointment of Roth as the orchestra's next chief conductor, effective with the 2025–2026 season, with an initial contract of 5 years.