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16 archive LSO concert programmes
Look at these incredible programmes and flyers from the LSO's illustrious history, from fascinating concerts to big-name artists and conductors.
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1. The first LSO concert, 1904
This is a poster for the very first London Symphony Orchestra concert, and it makes no bones about the players all having resigned from a rival orchestra to form. Picture: LSO archive
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2. Queen's Hall, London, 1904
This 'Analytical Programme' comes from the LSO's first season in 1904, the same year of their formation. Picture: LSO archive
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3. Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, 1906
How about that for a tour conductor? The great composer Charles Stanford took the podium for this concert in Paris. Picture: LSO archive
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4. Queen's Hall, London, 1909
Incredibly, this programme is made of silk! Picture: LSO archive
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5. Baltic Concert, 1912
The LSO were originally booked to sail on The Titanic, but at the last minute plans changed and they ended up on the RMS Baltic, where this concert programme comes from. Picture: LSO archive
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6. US tour programme, 1912
Taken from the LSO's US tour of 1912, after they'd sailed on the RMS Baltic. Picture: LSO archive
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7. Massey Hall, Toronto, 1912
They also made it all the way to Canada during the same tour, under the direction of Arthur Nikisch. Picture: LSO archive
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8. Titanic Band memorial concert, 1912
When they returned from their travels, the LSO poignantly performed a tribute concert for the band that went down with the Titanic. Picture: LSO archive
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9. Metroplitan Opera House, New York, 1912
Here you can see the highlights from the LSO's tour repertoire. Picture: LSO archive
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10. 21st anniversary concert, 1925
Celebrating 21 years in existence in 1925. Picture: LSO archive
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11. Queen's Hall, London, 1936
The composer Hamilton Harty was just one of a range of legendary conductors the LSO was able to secure in their early years. Picture: LSO archive
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12. Cambridge Theatre, London, 1942
Good to know that light refreshments were available at the Cambridge Theatre in 1942. Picture: LSO archive
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13. Royal Albert Hall, 1945
How about this for a headliner? Violin legend Yehudi Menuhin was the star attraction for this 1945 concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. Picture: LSO archive
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14. Coronation Concert, 1953
Celebrating the Queen's coronation in 1953 with a special concert. Picture: LSO archive
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15. 70th anniversary concert, 1974
Any orchestra that makes it to 70 years old deserves a celebration, and the LSO did so in style at Royal Festival Hall in 1974. Picture: LSO archive
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16. Mahler, Vienna and 20th Century season programme, 1985
This series of themed concerts was brought to life by Claudio Abbado. Picture: LSO archive
