Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is a classical orchestra from Liverpool, United Kingdom. It dates back to 1840 and is one of the oldest concert-giving organisations in the world. It gives more than sixty concerts from September to June in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, and also performs throughout the United Kingdom and on tours abroad.

History and status

The orchestra receives the title “Royal” in 1957. In 1991 it becomes the first organisation to be granted the freedom of the City of Liverpool. It remains active from 1840 to the present.

Conductors and musical leadership

The first professional conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic is Jakob Zeugheer, in 1844. He is followed by Alfred Mellon, Max Bruch, Charles Hallé, Frederic Hymen Cowen and Thomas Beecham. In 1942 Malcolm Sargent becomes resident conductor, and in 1948 Hugo Rignold becomes music director. Later incumbents include Efrem Kurtz, John Pritchard, Walter Weller, David Atherton, Marek Janowski, Libor Pešek, Petr Altrichter and Gerard Schwarz. Vasily Petrenko becomes Principal Conductor in September 2006.

Community work

Members of the orchestra take part in a range of community education projects.