Stories

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.

Re-imagining Julius Eastman's Piano Piece I-IV

Des Oliver, LSO Jerwood Composer+ participant, discusses the ins and outs of transcribing and arranging Piano Piece I-IV, based on piano miniatures by the American composer, pianist and vocalist Julius Eastman.

Sir Simon Rattle: Turangalîla & Betsy Jolas

From first being wowed by Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie aged eleven, to commissioning now 96-year-old Betsy Jolas, Sir Simon Rattle discusses the that will feature in his final concerts at the Barbican as LSO Music Director.

LSO Panufnik Scheme Interview: Litha Efthymiou

Ahead of the LSO Panufnik Scheme Workshops on 31 May, composer Litha Efthymiou to discusses her brand new work Through that Twilight Sky.

LSO Panufnik Scheme Interview: Robin Haigh

Ahead of the LSO Panufnik Scheme Workshops on 31 May, we interviewed LSO Panufnik composer Robin Haigh to discuss his brand new work DRIFTWOOD.

Rafael Marino Arcaro: i swallow clouds

Ahead of the workshopping of Rafael Marino Arcaro’s brand new piece i swallow clouds on 31 May at LSO St Luke’s, Arcaro gave us some insight on the inspiration and process behind writing his new work.

Pappano: 'That's what a conductor is, you are serving the music'

Sir Antonio Pappano discusses what it means to be a conductor, and his own personal conducting style.

Composer Jonathan Woolgar on Symphonic Message: "Wach auf!"

Ahead of LSO Futures on 28 May, we interviewed LSO Panufnik composer Jonathan Woolgar to discuss his brand new work Symphonic Message: “Wach Auf”, a sonic wake-up call that begins with a blazing explosion of sound.

What to Expect from LSO Futures 2023

One orchestra, twelve notes, infinite possibilities. Find out what’s in store from our LSO Futures concert this May.

Sunwook Kim: My Concert Day

Get a quick fix of incredible music: My Half Six Fix Experience

Our Half Six Fix concerts are 60-minute bursts of music to kick-start your evening. James Drury went along to find out more.

André J Thomas: Gospel Explosion

‘Gospel music does not apologise. It comes straight out, fiery and quick. It’s like lighting a firecracker – you start with a sizzle and that’s it.’