Biography: The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House was founded in 1946 on the reopening of the Opera House after World War II. The Orchestra plays for nearly all performances given by The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet on the Main Stage of the Royal Opera House, under Music Directors Antonio Pappano (The Royal Opera) and Koen Kessels (The Royal Ballet). The Orchestra also gives occasional concerts, including a series of annual performances at the Royal Opera House with Pappano. The Orchestra has performed at worldwide venues including Birmingham Symphony Hall, Cadogan Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus and on tour with The Royal Opera in Japan.