The Russian National Orchestra was founded in 1990 by pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev. Maintaining an active international schedule, the RNO appears in the music capitals of Europe, Asia and the Americas, is a frequent guest at festivals such as Edinburgh, the BBC Proms and presents the RNO Grand Festival each September to open the Moscow season. Their discography, launched with a highly praised 1991 recording of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique, now numbers more than 80 critically acclaimed recordings. Notable releases include the complete Beethoven symphonies and piano concertos on Deutsche Grammophon, Tchaikovsky’s six symphonies for Pentatone, and the RNO Shostakovich project, also on Pentatone, cited as “the most exciting cycle of the Shostakovich symphonies to be put down on disc, and easily the best recorded” (SACD.net). Their recording of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Beintus' Wolf Tracks, conducted by Kent Nagano and narrated by Sophia Loren, Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev, received a 2004 Grammy Award, making the RNO the first Russian orchestra to win the recording industry's highest honor.  Their recording of Shostakovich Symphony No. 7, conducted by Paavo Järvi, was awarded the Diapason d’Or de l’Année 2015 as the year's best symphonic album, and was nominated for a 2016 Grammy Award.

Vladimir Ponkin, currently artistic director and chief conductor of the Helikon Opera Theatre in Moscow, and chief conductor of the Kuban Symphony Orchestra, is one of Russia's leading conductors. His refined conducting style is distinguished by his delicate elaboration of details as well as his deep understanding of musical form and its realization. Versatile and mindful of the composer’s intentions, Ponkin gracefully integrates his exquisite technique and intellect into performances of a broad range of repertoire.

Konstantin Emelyanov (Yamaha Artist since 2019) graduated the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He became a true discovery at the 16th International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2019. The pianist has been actively touring and taking part in various musical project and festivals: The Stars on Baikal, La folle journee in Ekaterinburg, International piano series in Bern, ArsLonga festival in Moscow, Pianissimo piano festival and others. Regularly takes part in the projects of the  Moscow Philharmonic Society. Konstantin Emelyanov has performed with many symphony orchestras and collaborated with such artists as Yuri Bashmet, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Vladimir Spivakov, Alexander Rudin.