The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1943 by Leonid Steinberg, then conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre. Steinberg was succeeded by Moscow Conservatory professor Leo Ginzburg, under whom the orchestra became one of the best ensembles of the Soviet Union. He kept close ties with Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and other composers, premiering many of their works. Veronika Dudarova followed Ginzburg and served as music director for 20 years. Throughout its history, the orchestra concentrated on presenting the works of Russian masters. With the 1990 appointment of Pavel Kogan ...