The SLOVAK SINFONIETTA was founded in 1974 as the "Státny Komorny Orchester Zilina," the only "Mozart-style" orchestra in Slovakia. Since then the orchestra has attained a prominent position in the rich central European musical life of its homeland area, as well as considerable international renown. Besides many concerts in the Czech and Slovak Republics, the SLOVAK SINFONIETTA has had highly acclaimed success abroad, being featured in the major concert halls of Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Great Britain, Sweden, the former Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Poland, Japan and Tunisia. Its U.S. debut tour in 1993, including concerts in Chicago, New York and Cleveland, was an overwhelming success. The orchestra has taken part in such important international festivals as the Salzburg Festival (resident orchestra already in 1977), the Vienna (Festwochen) and Haydn (Tage) Festivals of Vienna (where it is the only regularly featured orchestra along with the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics), Sofia's Musical Weeks, Festa Musica Pro Mundo Uno in Assisi, Festival de Olite in Spain, Festival de Bonaguil in France, Prague Spring, Music in Old Krakow, Bratislava Musical Festival and many others. The Sinfonietta has played at such prestigious international venues as the Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf, the Komische Oper Berlin, St. Francis' Cathedral in Assist, the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, and the Great Concert Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic among others. The orchestra has given over 1200 concerts throughout the world. The mid-sized symphony (c. 35-50 musicians) boasts an extensive repertoire from all periods of musical history [obviously excluding the mammoth works of the late Romantic], often placing emphasis on the intensely rich Slavic music of its cultural heritage. The orchestra also occasionally performs non-traditional programs, mostly for young audiences, highlighting jazz and popular music. The SLOVAK SINFONIETTA OF ZILINA's many recordings include works of Vivaldi, Telemann, Rossini, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Respighi, Hummel, Dvorák, Martinu, and other Czech and Slovak composers.