London Chamber Orchestra
The London Chamber Orchestra is the longest established professional chamber orchestra in the UK.
Despite its long tradition, the Orchestra also has a reputation for embracing the new, and it has given more than 100 UK premieres.
The LCO’s debut performance took place in 1921, at the London home of Viscountess Nancy Astor. Since then it has received royal invitations to perform at Buckingham Palace, Kew Palace and Clarence House.
The LCO is unusual for a London orchestra in that it does not receive public subsidy. Its independence enables it to foster a unique performance persona. The Orchestra constantly looks for bright young stars when selecting new members and identifying possible guest artists.
The LCO premiered Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’ The Golden Rule, written to mark The Queen’s 80th birthday, and in 2008 gave the London première of Hess’ Concerto for Piano and Orchestra commissioned by The Prince of Wales. This season, the Orchestra has commissioned a Piano Concerto from LCO Composer in Residence Graham Fitkin.
