Kungliga Hovkapellet is one of the oldest active orchestras in the world. It was first recorded in the royal account books from 1526. The orchestra originally consisted of both musicians and singers. It had only male members until 1727, when
Sophia Schröder and Judith Fischer were employed as vocalists; in the 1850s, the harpist
Marie Pauline Åhman became the first female instrumentalist. The orchestra had a golden age under the leadership of several members of the
Düben family during the 17th century. In the 18th century, its directors included
Johan Helmich Roman and
Francesco Uttini. From 1731, public concerts were performed at
Riddarhuset in Stockholm. Since 1773, when the Royal Swedish Opera was founded by
Gustav III of Sweden, the Kungliga Hovkapellet has been part of the opera's company. == See also ==