Hyperion Records

The New London Orchestra was launched by Ronald Corp in 1988 to fill a gap in London’s orchestral scene. The success of the orchestra, despite its receiving no public funding, is due to the consistently unusual and inspiring programmes devised by Ronald Corp, the outstanding performances given by the players, and the best-selling CDs on Hyperion. Anthony Payne wrote in The Independent: “…any band of players that performs consistently as well as the New London Orchestra under the direction of Ronald Corp automatically becomes indispensable”. Since 1988 the Orchestra has performed innovative programmes throughout London, has been broadcast frequently, and has appeared at the BBC Proms and many other UK festivals.

The New London Orchestra launched its unique partnership with University College London and the UCL Bloomsbury Theatre in 2001. The Orchestra is now resident at the UCL Bloomsbury, where it gives the majority of its concerts, and with whom it promotes local community projects. Research is being undertaken with the academic departments of UCL and its affiliated colleges – the first of these was the 'Music and the Mind' festival in April 2003. Hand in hand with the partnership with UCL is the re-launch of the Orchestra’s brand Adventures in Music which sees the orchestra aligning itself primarily as an educational organization, promoting education and learning through all its activities and concerts. The Orchestra believes that by promoting the wider benefits of education through music it will empower individuals and strengthen communities.

The New London Orchestra has released eighteen discs on Hyperion Records, including the première recordings of Sullivan’s The Golden Legend, The Prodigal Son and The Contrabandista. Discs featuring music by Poulenc, Satie, Prokofiev, Virgil Thompson, Milhaud, and Boughton have filled a niche in the market. Four discs of ‘British Light Music Classics’ have become particular favourites (especially on Classic FM and BBC Radio 3’s Light Programme) and are joined by one of European Light Music Classics, one of American Light Music Classics, and a disc of music for bassoon and orchestra. The Orchestra has also delved into the much-neglected world of English operetta, recording Sidney Jones’ The Geisha (Gramophone’s Critics Choice of 1999), and Fraser-Simson’s The Maid of the Mountains (Gramophone’s Critics Choice of 2000).