Effective period / Period of releases: 1952 - 1958

The Ballet Theatre Orchestra was an American symphonic orchestra based in New York City and active between 1940 and 1957 under conductor Joseph Levine (1911—1984). The ensemble toured and recorded with the eponymous "Ballet Theatre" dance company, co-founded by dancer Lucia Chase (1897—1986). In 1957, the troupe changed its name to American Ballet Theatre and continued under the same artistic direction. The ensemble rebranded as ABT Orchestra accordingly, currently led by Ormsby Wilkins as music director.