Founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham, the Royal Philharmonic remains one of Britain's most acclaimed and respected ensembles to this day.
The story of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is colourful and dramatic, with a reputation worldwide for music-making of the highest quality. In 1946 Sir Thomas Beecham set out to create a world-class ensemble from the finest musicians in the country. Beecham envisioned an orchestra that would bring the greatest music to audiences across the world and, to this day, Beecham's legacy lives on through the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Over the years, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has become a byword for exceptional quality and versatility. The Orchestra is London-based and performs an annual season of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, South Bank Centre's Royal Festival Hall and Cadogan Hall.
The RPO uses its schedule in the capital as a springboard for a comprehensive regional touring programme around the UK, including numerous residencies. Internationally, the Orchestra undertakes a busy schedule, having toured over thirty countries in the last five years, with regular performances in Europe and recent tours to destinations such as the USA, Mexico, Egypt and the Far East.
The Chamber Soloists of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a versatile ensemble consisting of principal players of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It has given numerous live performances around the UK at festivals including the acclaimed Chelsea Festival. Other venues that the ensemble has performed public concerts at include the Richmond Theatre, Arts Depot in Finchley, St David's Hall in Cardiff, Fairfield in Croydon and the Old Granary in Beccles, Suffolk. The ensemble has also been invited to perform at numerous private events in sumptuous settings such as Kensington Palace and Claridge's Hotel in London.