Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London. It forms part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra organisation and tours widely. The orchestra is sometimes referred to as Britain’s national orchestra.

Formation and early history

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham, and its first concert takes place in Croydon on 15 September that year. Beecham serves as music director until his death in 1961. In 1950, the orchestra tours the United States, becoming the first British orchestra to visit America since the London Symphony Orchestra in 1912.

Conductors and leadership

Rudolf Kempe becomes assistant conductor in 1960, principal conductor in 1961, and music director in 1962. The orchestra gives him the title of Conductor for Life in 1970, and he steps down in 1975. Later music directors and principal conductors include Antal Doráti, Walter Weller, André Previn, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and Yuri Temirkanov. Daniele Gatti serves as music director from 1996 to 2009. Temirkanov and Gatti both hold the title of conductor laureate. Charles Dutoit becomes artistic director and principal conductor in 2009.