The Bratislava Symphony Orchestra & Choir
Classical Musicianship. Dedicated Recording Expertise.
Orchestra, choir and exceptional recording studios in the heart of Europe.
The Bratislava Symphony Orchestra is, without any doubt, one of the reference orchestras in Europe, especially in the world of recordings.
The orchestra was founded in 2020 by the Spanish conductor David Hernando Rico ( www.davidhernando.eu ), currently being its musical director and producer of recordings.
The BSO brings together a selection of the best musicians in Bratislava, selected for each project (film music, pop music, classical music, etc.) from various professional orchestras in the city. To date, he has made more than 900 recordings for the whole world, his recordings having been winners of numerous awards around the world.
The BSO's major specialty is film music recording, having recorded the music of composers such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Michel Jean Legrand, Lorne Balfe, Brian Tyler, Roque Baños, Pascal Gaigne, Federico Jusid and many others.
In the world of Pop music, he has also recorded for artists such as Rocío Jurado, Alejandro Sanz, Raphael, Il Divo, Rosalía, Jarkko Ahola, Rosalía, Pastora Soler, ZOE ...
Since its inception has worked with major film producers such as Netflix, Warner, Sony Pictures and many other producers around the world.
Another field of work of great relevance is music for video games, having recorded music for such outstanding video games as; Batman Arkham Origins, Assasin's Creed, Castlevania, Lego Marvel's Avenger or Marvel Powers United VR.
During its history it has also made numerous recordings of classical works and concert music , highlighting several CD's with works by the Swiss composer Fritz Brun , directed by Adriano .
For the realization of all these recordings, the BSO has a work team of more than 10 professionals : conductors, choir conductors, recording technicians, archivists, orchestrators, video producers; led by David Hernando Rico and that make easy development of all recordings possible.
The orchestral formations available range from a full symphony orchestra of up to 85 musicians, to chamber formations of 15 musicians, as well as string, wood and brass quartets.
David Hernando Rico
Founder & Music Director
David Hernando Rico is the founder and Music Director of the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra, which he established in 2000. A Spanish conductor and recording producer based in Central Europe, he combines a background in symphonic and operatic repertoire with more than 25 years of professional recording experience.
Through his work with the BSO, he has conducted and produced over 900 recording projects, spanning classical and contemporary music, film, television, video games and international artist collaborations. His approach connects musical interpretation with the practical demands of recording, supporting close collaboration between composers, musicians and engineers.
His classical production work includes recordings of Fritz Brun’s orchestral and choral music and works by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze. His wider portfolio encompasses projects featuring music by Michel Legrand, Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe, Brian Tyler and Roque Baños, with releases on labels including Sony Music, Warner Music and BMG.
Alongside the BSO, he has conducted the Slovak Philharmonic, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra and Castile and León Symphony Orchestra, among other ensembles. He completed his conducting training and doctoral studies at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava.
At the heart of his work with the BSO is a commitment to thoughtful preparation, expressive performance and a clear understanding of each score—bringing artistic continuity and personal involvement to the orchestra’s recording projects.
The Bratislava Symphony Choir
Bratislava Symphony Choir
Founded in 2005, the Bratislava Symphony Choir specialises in professional choir recording for film, video games and music. Its experienced singers also perform with leading ensembles, including the Slovak Philharmonic Choir and the Slovak National Theatre Opera Chorus.
We offer flexible ensembles ranging from 16 to 40 singers, alongside soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass soloists. Our repertoire spans classical music, opera, pop and folk, with performances in English, German, Spanish, Russian and Latin, among other languages.
Selected recording credits include Penguins of Madagascar, The Angry Birds Movie 2, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The choir also contributed to MYSTERIA, the cinematic vocal instrument developed by Galaxy Instruments and Native Instruments.
Combining confident sight-reading, precise diction and expressive musicianship, we adapt to each project—from intimate vocal textures to powerful symphonic performances.
Our standard ensembles feature balanced soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections, with the line-up tailored to your score. Careful preparation supports efficient sessions and allows more time for musical interpretation. We work closely with composers and producers to shape phrasing, vocal colour and dynamics, bringing clarity and character to every recording.
The Bratislava Symphony Winds
Founded in 2016 in collaboration with composer and conductor Otto M. Schwarz, Bratislava Symphonic Winds brings together accomplished wind instrumentalists from Bratislava. The ensemble specialises in professional symphonic wind recording, combining technical precision with expressive musicianship.
Its recording repertoire includes works by Jacob de Haan, Thomas Doss and Otto M. Schwarz, spanning a broad range of styles and instrumental colours. Each session focuses on capturing the detail, balance and musical character of the score.
Otto M. Schwarz collaborates with the ensemble as a specialist conductor, bringing extensive experience in symphonic wind music. This partnership includes recordings for publishers such as Hal Leonard, helping composers present their works through carefully prepared performances.
From delicate woodwind passages to powerful brass textures, the musicians work together to deliver clarity, energy and a cohesive ensemble sound. Thorough preparation and attention to phrasing, articulation and dynamics support an efficient and productive recording process.