This orchestra was founded in 1904 and aside from being London’s oldest symphony orchestra it was the first orchestra to be a self-governing organisation. Its debut concert was under the baton of Hans Richter who remained with them until 1911 when Sir Edward Elgar took over the position.
It has had many acclaimed conductors that include Claudio Abbado, Sir Colin Davis, Michael Tilson-Thomas, Andre Previn who is the Conductor Laureate and the holder of the current position, Valery Gergiev, who was succeeded in 2017 by Sir Simon Rattle.
Its concert in Paris in 1906 saw them as the first British orchestra to perform a concert overseas, their concert in the United Stated saw them as the first British orchestra to play in Northern America, and they have since appeared all over the world with a variety of acclaimed guest conductors and soloists.
Alongside their numerous classical recordings, which they have been making since 1912, they are renowned for performing on countless film scores and pop albums. The movies include Raiders of the Lost Ark. Braveheart, Superman, two of the Harry Potter films and all of the Star Wars films. The pop albums include Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, and Thriller and Bad by Michael Jackson. They have also recorded for the video game Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness.
Adolphe Charles Adam recordings
Giselle
Sony 42450 (CD: Giselle)
Conductor – Michael Tilson Thomas
Roberto Alagna recordings
Adeste Fidelis (Frederick Oakeley/John Francis Wade)
EMI 57017 (CD: The Christmas Album)
Arranger – Thomas Greatorex
Conductor – Robin Smith
Tenor – Roberto Alagna
London Symphony Orchestra
New London Children’s Choir
Smithills School Junior Choir
London Oratory School Choir
Choir of St. Johns College, Cambridge
Isaac Albeniz recordings
Iberia
Sony 48480 (CD: Iberia)
Conductor – Paul Daniel
Guitar – John Williams
La Vega
Angel 56859 (CD:Elmer Bernstein/Christopher Parkening: Concerto for Guitar)
Conductor – Elmer Bernstein
Guitar – Christopher Parkening
William Alwyn recordings
Symphony No. 5 – “Hydriotaphia”
Chandos CHAN 9196
Conductor – Richard Hickox
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