NBC Symphony Orchestra

NBC Symphony, also called (1954–63) Symphony Of The Air, American orchestra created in 1937 by the National Broadcasting Company expressly for the internationally renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini. Based in New York City, the orchestra gave weekly concerts that were broadcast worldwide over NBC radio. Often billed as the Toscanini Orchestra, the NBC Symphony was known for its high level of musicianship and its recordings, as well as for Toscanini’s artistic supremacy and fiery temperament. Leopold Stokowski served as co-conductor (1941–44). Toscanini retired after the final concert on April 4, 1954; the National Broadcasting Company then severed any connection with the NBC Symphony.