The Royal Improvisers Orchestra (RIO) is an international free improvisation orchestra based in Amsterdam. It is one of the foremost representatives of the new generation of improvisers in the Netherlands.

Over the past years RIO has collaborated with the London Improvisers Orchestra (LIO), Instant Composers Pool (ICP), Steve Beresford, Han Bennink, Phil Minton, Michael Moore, Wilbert de Joode, Ab Baars, Luc Ex and Frank Gratkowski, in such venues as BIMHUIS, Paard van Troje, LOOS and OT 301.

RIO's musicians have different types of expertise and a diversity of cultures and come from various genres including baroque music, punk rock, jazz and electronics. But they all share one thing: a passion for improvisation.

All are equal.

The musicians work freely yet closely, communicating constantly with each other and with the audience.

RIO started with a technique based on Butch Morris "conduction". Over time the orchestra developed its own language and now has a unique voice and way of making music.

As Yedo Gibson (founder of the orchestra) says:

"Conduction was the first stage in understanding each other's musicality, now we are free to communicate with each other without any preconceived arrangement. Everything is possible when a RIO concert begins".