The State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia (= Svetlanov Symphony Orchestra) is a Russian orchestra based in Moscow. Sometimes known in English as the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, the orchestra gives concerts in Moscow at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory and at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. The State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia for 75 years has been one of the leading orchestras of Russia and a special pride of this country's musical culture. The orchestra was founded in 1936 as the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, (or USSR Symphony Orchestra) with Alexander Gauk as its first Music Director. The ensemble's debut performance took place on October 5, 1936, at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. Only a few months later, it went on an extensive tour around the former USSR. The orchestra acquired its current name after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.