The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London and active from 1946. It is one of the country’s major orchestral ensembles and tours widely.

History

The orchestra is founded in 1946 by Thomas Beecham and gives its first concert in Croydon on 15 September 1946. Beecham serves as principal conductor until his death in 1961. Rudolf Kempe, who has been assistant conductor, follows him and receives the title of Conductor for Life in 1970.

Later musical directors and principal conductors include Antal Doráti, Walter Weller, André Previn, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Yuri Temirkanov. Daniele Gatti is appointed music director in 1996.

Work and recordings

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs a wide classical repertoire and also records film scores. Its recordings include music for Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s The Red Shoes. It tours the United States in 1950, becoming the first British orchestra to visit America since the London Symphony Orchestra in 1912.

Associated projects

The orchestra is associated with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, formed in 1987 and devoted to lighter classical repertoire. It also issues commercial singles, including Hooked On Classics in 1981 and the BBC Grandstand theme in 1982.