The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra is one of the major cultural organizations in Greece and the most historic symphonic ensemble in Northern Greece. It was founded in 1959, by the Greek-Cypriot composer Solon Michaelides and it currently comprises 118 musicians.  
The TSSO honors its role as a public organization by creating music at the highest caliber in an accessible way, and with a range of activities which include collaborations with highly acclaimed Greek and international artists, the dissemination of Greek musical works, the fostering of talented young Greek artists, as well as a variety of educational and social projects.   
When it comes to international discographic progress, the TSSO is the most notable symphonic ensemble in the country, as it records regularly under world leading recording labels, such as EMI, BIS, and NAXOS.