Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ( RPO) is a British orchestra, which is based in London ( with the Cadogan Hall as headquarters). It undertakes tours widely, and is sometimes called the " Britain's national orchestra " means.
The RPO was founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham and played on 15 September 1946 in Croydon his first concert. Beecham was principal conductor until his death in 1961. Was succeeded by Rudolf Kempe ( by then assistant conductor ), who received in 1970 the title of Conductor for Life ( Conductor for Life ). It followed as a musical director and conductor Antal First Doráti ( 1975-78 ), Walter Weller ( 1980-85 ), André Previn ( 1985-92 ) and Vladimir Ashkenazy ( 1987-94 ). Yuri Temirkanov was appointed principal conductor in 1992, and Daniele Gatti in 1996 music director.
With the 2009/2010 season, Charles Dutoit took over the post of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Daniele Gatti, however, accompanied the orchestra continues as " Conductor Laureate ".
In 1950, the orchestra went on tour in the USA, and has been so since the visit of the London Symphony Orchestra in 1912 the first British orchestra to visit America.
As well as performing works from the classical repertoire, the RPO has recorded a number of soundtracks, as that on Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's The Red Shoes. It took the plate number Hooked on Classics, as well as various Poparrangements among others, Pink Floyd, Queen and ABBA. Recently, the orchestra is closely connected with the British Classic FM. The official version of the theme music of the UEFA Champions League and recorded by the RPO.
In October 2003, took 14 RPO musicians, the string parts to several parts of the album A Semblance Of 2004 release Normality of the British folk metal band Skyclad on.
Connected with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra formed in 1987, dedicated to the playing lighter classics.
Other London-based orchestra is the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.