Seventy-eight years after Sir Thomas Beecham founded the London Philharmonic Orchestra, it is recognised today as one of the finest orchestras on the international stage. Following Beecham, the Orchestra’s Principal Conductorship has been passed from one illustrious musician to another. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall since it opened in 1951, becoming Resident Orchestra in 1992. It also has flourishing residencies in Brighton and Eastbourne, and performs regularly around the UK. In summer, it plays for Glyndebourne Festival Opera where it has been the Resident Symphony Orchestra since 1964. The Orchestra performs to enthusiastic audiences all round the world. In 1956 it became the first British orchestra to appear in Russia and in 1973 it made the first ever visit to China by a Western orchestra. Tours include visits to Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the US, Spain, China, Russia, Oman, Brazil and France.
Having long been embraced by the recording, broadcasting and film industries, the London Philharmonic Orchestra broadcasts regularly on domestic and international television and radio. It also works with the Hollywood and UK film industries, recording soundtracks for blockbuster motion pictures.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra made its first recordings on 10 October 1932, just three days after its first public performance and has recorded regularly ever since. The Orchestra reaches thousands of Londoners through its rich programme of community and school-based activity in Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark and regular family and schools concerts.
