American tour, 1912
1900s & 1910s
1900s
1904
On 9 June the LSO gives its first concert, conducted by Hans Richter at the Queen’s Hall. It is Britain’s first independent, self-governing orchestra – a limited company with the players as shareholders. Approximately half the players have resigned from the Queen’s Hall Orchestra because of Henry Wood’s refusal to allow them to send deputies to rehearsals and concerts
Hans Richter is appointed Principal Conductor (1904–11)
Guest conductors in the first season include Artur Nikisch (1904), Fritz Steinbach (1904), Edouard Colonne (1905) and Sir Edward Elgar (1905). Through the LSO, London receives an unprecedented range of distinguished international conductors
1905
First provincial tour – Sir Edward Elgar conducts
1906
First British orchestra to tour abroad, to Paris
1909
Thomas Beecham conducts the LSO for the first time
1910s
1911
Sir Edward Elgar becomes Principal Conductor (1911–12)
1912
Artur Nikisch is appointed Principal Conductor (1912–14)
The LSO is the first British orchestra to visit the United States of America, conducted by Nikisch (narrowly avoiding travelling on the Titanic due to a last minute change of schedule)
1913/14
The LSO makes its first recordings, for HMV, conducted by Artur Nikisch
1915
Thomas Beecham is Principal Conductor for one season, although never officially given the title
1918
Adrian Boult and Richard Strauss conduct the LSO for the first time
1919
Albert Coates, making his debut with the LSO, is appointed Principal Conductor (1919–22)
