LSO

The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic FM’s Orchestra in the City of London, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading orchestras.

Its many activities include an energetic and ground-breaking education and community programme, a record company (LSO Live), and exciting work in the field of information technology.

Well over a century after it was formed, the LSO still attracts the best players, many of whom also have flourishing solo and chamber music careers. The LSO also draws on an enviable roster of soloists and conductors, starting with Principal Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, Principal Guest Conductors Gianandrea Noseda and François-Xavier Roth, and Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Laureate.

LSO St Luke’s, the UBS and LSO music education centre on Old Street, continues to expand its artistic programme with top artists from diverse musical backgrounds, and LSO Discovery is facilitating music education using new technology, and building stronger links with the local communities. LSO Live is the best-selling orchestral own-label in the world and is regularly No.1 in the classical downloads charts on iTunes.

It was announced in 2021 that Sir Antonio Pappano will become Chief Conductor Designate in 2023, taking up the Chief Conductor post officially from September 2024.

Did you know?

Continuing the orchestra’s long association with film music, the LSO has recently recorded soundtracks for Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The orchestra also features on radio, TV, computer games and in-flight music programmes.