Founded by Louis Auriacombe, the Toulouse National Chamber Orchestra consists of twelve full-time musicians. The orchestra has a vast repertoire, ranging from baroque to contemporary, and it gives more than eighty concerts each year. With its many international tours, and over forty records, it is one of the most highly regarded French orchestras. They have regularly performed with guest artists, including Samson François, Alexis Weissenberg, Arthur Grumiaux, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Janos Starker, Maurice André, Barbara Hendricks, Teresa Berganza, Dame Janet Baker, and many others. The Toulouse National Chamber Orchestra is subsidised by the French Ministry of Culture, the City of Toulouse.