The LSO was established in 1904 as one of the first orchestras shaped by its musicians. Today it is ranked among the world’s top orchestras, with a family of artists that includes Chief Conductor Designate Sir Antonio Pappano, Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle, Principal Guest Conductors Gianandrea Noseda and François-Xavier Roth , Conductor Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas and Associate Artists Barbara Hannigan and André J. Thomas. The LSO is Resident Orchestra at the Barbican in the City of London, and reaches international audiences through touring and artistic residencies, and through digital partnerships and an extensive programme of live-streamed and on-demand online broadcasts.
Through a world-leading learning and community programme, LSO Discovery, the LSO connects people from all walks of life to the power of great music. LSO musicians are at the heart of this unique programme, leading workshops, mentoring bright young talent, performing at free concerts for the local community and using music to support neurodiverse adults. In 1999, the LSO formed its own recording label, LSO Live. It has become one of the world’s most talked-about classical labels, and has over 200 recordings in the catalogue so far. The LSO is a leading orchestra for film, and uses streaming services to reach a worldwide online audience totalling millions every month. Through inspiring music, learning programmes and technological innovations, the LSO’s reach extends far beyond the concert hall.
