London Philharmonic Orchestra

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The London Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1932 by Sir Thomas Beecham. Since then, its Principal Conductors have included Sir Adrian Boult, Bernard Haitink, Sir Georg Solti, Klaus Tennstedt and Kurt Masur. In 2007 Vladimir Jurowski became the Orchestra’s current Principal Conductor, and he will be succeeded by Edward Gardner in September 2021. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has performed at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall since it opened in 1951, becoming Resident Orchestra in 1992. It also has residencies at Glyndebourne and in Brighton, Eastbourne and Saffron Walden, and performs regularly around the UK. The Orchestra also tours internationally, performing to audiences worldwide. The Orchestra broadcasts regularly on television and radio, and has recorded soundtracks for numerous films including The Lord of the Rings. In 2005 it began releasing live, studio and archive recordings on its own CD label, which now numbers over 100 releases. The Orchestra recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Education and Community department, whose work over three decades has introduced countless people of all ages to orchestral music: Our dynamic and wide-ranging programme provides first musical experiences for children and families; offers creative projects and professional development opportunities for schools and teachers; inspires talented teenage instrumentalists to progress their skills; and develops the next generation of professional musicians. Over the pandemic period the LPO has sustained its relationship with UK and international audiences through ‘LPOnline’, reaching many thousands of people. From initial individual performances recorded at home, the Orchestra progressed over time to larger-scale performances, before finally being able to play together in small chamber groups for the LPO Summer Sessions from Henry Wood Hall, as well as outdoor performances at Glyndebourne. This autumn the Orchestra returns to its Royal Festival Hall home to perform 13 full-length concerts filmed live and streamed for audiences to enjoy at home via Marquee TV. lpo.org.uk