Archive Dive
From the Archive: Thomas Busby's Speech
Images and transcript of the never-before-seen speech from our archive, written by founding member, Thomas Busby.
From the Archive: Sergei Prokofiev performs with the LSO, January 1924
Browse through a programme from 100 years ago today, when Prokofiev performed his First Piano Concerto with the LSO.
From the Archive: A violin signed by 43 original Members
An intriguing instrument in the LSO’s archive, and the only physical piece of evidence that stretches back to the Orchestra’s genesis in 1904.
What was Leonard Bernstein's relationship with the LSO?
From his first concert in 1966, to becoming LSO President in 1987, Leonard Bernstein had a close relationship with the LSO that spanned 24 years.
Five of Bernstein's Best Recordings with the LSO
From Mahler’s Symphonies to his own Candide, here are just five highlights of Leonard Bernstein’s recording sessions with the LSO.
From the Archive: Pierre Monteux, Principal Conductor 1961–64
Learn more about the LSO’s Principal Conductor between 1961–64, Pierre Monteux
The Birth of the London Symphony Orchestra
In 1904 four brass players hatched a plan on a train to Manchester to form a new orchestra, run as a co-operative, and so the London Symphony Orchestra was born.
Seven things you didn’t know about Sibelius’ Violin Concerto
Jean Sibelius’ only concerto is considered a staple piece of violin repertoire and amongst the Finnish composer’s greatest works. But how well do you really know it? This list reveals some interesting facts about the music that you might not be familiar with.
Meet the Composers: Panufnik Workshops 2022 (Part 2)
On Thursday 31 March at LSO St Luke’s, the six composers of the 2020/21 LSO Panufnik Composers Scheme will experience a pivotal point in the process of writing a new piece for orchestra: for the very first time, their musical ideas will be performed by the full forces of the London Symphony Orchestra, and opened up to guidance and feedback from musicians, mentors and peers. Ahead of these free, public workshop sessions, we caught up with the composers to hear about their music and time on the Scheme so far.
Tales From the Podium with Nathalie Stutzmann
What makes a great conductor? Musicality, ambition, fearlessness? Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann has these qualities by the bucket-load. We spoke to her recently about her return to the Barbican stage on Thursday 27 January with a programme comprising Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Ravel. Read on to find out more about what drew her in to the world of conducting, her concert routines and what she’s looking forward to most in 2022.
Des Oliver on his Jerwood event and new piece: The Diasporic Quartets
This Saturday, composer, filmmaker and LSO Jerwood Composer+ participant Des Oliver unveils two movements of a brand new piece, The Diasporic Quartets, musical portraits of four British-based composers from the African diaspora. Plus we’ll hear music by the four composers themselves, in a carefully curated evening exploring influence and heritage.
Ahead of the concert, we talked to Des Oliver about his musical influences, curating his concert at LSO St Luke’s and what else is keeping him busy.
Snippets from history: Walton & the LSO
On 28 October Antoine Tamestit returns to the Barbican stage as part of his LSO Artist Portrait. The star viola player performs William Walton’s Viola Concerto and Robin Ticciati conducts Brahms Symphony No 4. During his lifetime William Walton had a long and close relationship with the LSO. Read on to discover more about the composer, his history with the LSO and his majestic Viola Concerto.
