London Sinfonietta

London Sinfonietta

London Sinfonietta is a British chamber orchestra based in London that specialises in contemporary classical music. It is founded in 1968 by Nicholas Snowman and David Atherton. Atherton is its first Music Director, serving from 1968 to 1973.

Leadership

The ensemble’s leadership changes over time. Michael Vyner serves as Artistic Director from 1972 to 1989. Paul Crossley follows and serves from 1988 to 1994. Markus Stenz is Music Director from 1994 to 1998. Oliver Knussen is Music Director from 1998 to 2002 and is now the orchestra’s Conductor Laureate. Gillian Moore is the current Artistic Director; she joins the Sinfonietta in 1983 as Education Officer, leaves in 1993 to become Head of Education at the South Bank Centre, and returns in 1998 to take up the artistic role.

Commissions and repertoire

London Sinfonietta commissions many composers, including Magnus Lindberg, Thomas Adès, Steve Reich and Harrison Birtwistle. Its work is centred on performance of contemporary classical repertoire.