Established in 1970, the orchestra was re-established as the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982. In 2018, it became a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, and in 2020, it celebrated its 50th anniversary. Augustin Dumay, a world-renowned violinist, served as Principal Guest Conductor from 2008 and became the orchestra's first Music Director from 2011. Sachio Fujioka served as Resident Conductor from 2000 and became Principal Conductor from 2007. Taijiro Iimori served as Permanent Conductor from 2001 and became Conductor Laureate from 2011.

Emphasizing deep community engagement as an orchestra nurtured by the people and businesses of its local Kansai region, it concluded a "Cultural and Artistic City Promotion Agreement" with Higashiosaka City in 2015 and a "Music and Vibrant Hometown Partner Agreement" with Kadoma City in 2020. Since 2014, the orchestra has been featured on BS TV Tokyo's "Enter the Music" (every Saturday from 8:30 AM). In 2015, it held its first European tour, visiting five cities across three countries (Switzerland, Germany, and Italy), which garnered significant attention. The "Wagner Special Concert" by Taijiro Iimori x Kansai Philharmonic (January 23, 2021, The Symphony Hall) received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Music Critic Club Awards.

http://www.kansaiphil.jp/

Photo © s.yamamoto