Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse
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The Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse is the orchestra of the city of Toulouse. It acts as both a symphony orchestra whose main residence is Toulouse's Halle aux grains, and the permanent orchestra of the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse. It's one of the Europe's most prestigious orchestras.
The Orchestre du Capitole rose to prominence during Michel Plasson's tenure as music director, from 1968 to 2003, earning it the "national" label in 1980.
In 1974 Plasson chose the Halle aux grains, a former market converted into an arena, to become the orchestra's residence. until then, the orchestra was not used to giving concerts but was instead confined to the Capitole's pit, and had a very low reputation. Within twelve years, the orchestra had improved enough to qualify for "national". That is when its name changed from Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse to Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse.
Plasson's flamboyant personality, his insistence on playing and recording the French repertoire, especially rarely played pieces, and his record deal with EMI, combined to make the orchestra the "reference" French orchestra, the most visible and most visibly French, with approximately one hundred records published. Acclaimed soprano Natalie Dessay made her begins with the Capitole and still performs regularly with the orchestra.
On May 9, 2003, Plasson announced his decision not to renew his contract after August 31, 2003. He complained that planned works in the Halle aux grains would impair the 2003-2004 concert season. Unofficially, his departure was caused by the city's refusal to increase the orchestra's payroll.
In 2004, Plasson was made "honorary conductor", which does not have to imply any conducting.
In 2005, the city named Tugan Sokhiev "principal guest conductor and musical adviser".
