Ahead of their first LSO Jerwood Composer+ events later in April and May, we caught up with Hollie Harding and Des Oliver to talk about their musical backgrounds and composing icons, and to learn what we can expect from their curations. 

It is well-recognised that the London Symphony Orchestra is a world-leader in recording music for film. In fact, the LSO recorded the first symphonic score specially composed for a film (Sir Arthur Bliss’ score for Things to Come in 1935). The Orchestra has since recorded music for hundreds of films, including Pixar’s Brave, four of the Harry Potter films, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars.

In December 2014, Elim Chan became the first female winner of the Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition, subsequently becoming Assistant Conductor of the Orchestra for one year. Since then, she's returned to guest conduct the Orchestra every season. Ahead of her concert on 27 February, we caught up with the young composer to find out more about where her career has taken her since then, what it's like to be a conductor, and the programme she has put together for the LSO.

Back in November, we introduced you to master violin-maker Antonio Stradivari and took a closer look at the 'Gariel' Stradivarius played by Nicola Benedetti. Now we turn our attention to some of the violins (and violinists) that will be gracing the Barbican stage with the LSO in Spring.