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2013-06-19 08:58:13 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Raising a glass last night to the memory of Sir Colin Davis, and to the end of our 2012/13 season. Cheers everyone! Here's to the summer.

2013-06-18 10:38:01 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 22 +1s)

Breaking news: bass drum cover eats man in London!

Photo from Neil Percy, Principal Percussion

2013-06-17 15:42:07 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Get yourself a copy of the LSO's Grammy nominated Britten: Peter Grimes for only £9.99 http://bit.ly/17T5Dpm

2013-06-17 08:59:34 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 20 +1s)

We've been paying tribute to our former Principal Conductor and President, the much-loved Sir Colin Davis. The concerts have included the people and music that meant the most to him, including violinist Nikolaj Znaider, his son (and conductor) Joseph Wolfe and the +London Symphony Chorus, who took this photo. The concerts end with the audience raising a wee dram of his favourite whisky to his memory. Farewell Maestro, we miss you. 

2013-06-16 13:00:42 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 14 +1s)

Farewell to LSO legend, our former Leader Hugh Maguire (1956-61), who passed away on Friday: http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddisc/2013/06/london-loses-a-leader-of-legend.html

2013-06-14 10:23:48 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

Look what the Barbican Centre found knocking around in their offices - concepts for some early adverts for LSO concerts at the newly opened Hall in 1982! We think they did not go with these in the end - and probably should be thankful for that!

2013-06-13 16:54:11 (2 comments, 10 reshares, 40 +1s)

The Barbican Centre shared this earlier - wish we'd had it to show Yo-Yo Ma yesterday before he jetted off again this morning!

2013-06-13 15:23:18 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

Lovely panoramic of the LSO rehearsal this morning, taken in the Barbican Hall by +Maxine Kwok-Adams 

2013-06-12 14:57:14 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 18 +1s)

It's been 18 years since Yo-Yo Ma played with the LSO. Tonight is the last of three concerts with him since last Sunday, and we've had an amazing time. Thanks Yo-Yo, see you again soon.

2013-06-10 20:06:37 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 17 +1s)

Amazing musical sand sculptures down at the Brighton Festival at the moment. Beethoven looks pretty severe though!

Photo by Clare Forder on Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aYQRHZMg9V/

2013-06-09 09:57:19 (2 comments, 3 reshares, 49 +1s)

Happy birthday to us! 109 today.

2013-06-08 19:19:09 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 8 +1s)

Good news! The chaps at Google have managed to find the recording of our hangout with Final Fantasy composers Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu which disappeared after it was broadcast live on 29 May. Watch here, and enjoy. Live web chat with Final Fantasy composers

And thanks Google guys! We owe you one.

2013-06-08 17:44:31 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 32 +1s)

Yo-Yo Ma is in the house! +Maxine Kwok-Adams can't resist a fan photo with her musical hero.

2013-06-06 11:08:42 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 12 +1s)

We have Michael Tilson Thomas with us this week. MTT is one of the great thinkers in Classical Music. Hear what he has to say on the future of music in this interview with +Classic FM: http://www.classicfm.com/artists/michael-tilson-thomas/news/michael-tilson-thomas-interview/

2013-06-05 11:59:08 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

'There is much to relish here, the music of now and the future.' says Colin Anderson in Hi-Fi Critic of The Panufnik Legacies. Find out more about this exciting release on CD and download here: http://bit.ly/ZuYPf6 

2013-06-04 17:17:13 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 20 +1s)

It was 60 years since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the LSO's Patron, on Sunday. Digging through the archives we found this programme of a concert to celebrate the event put on by the LSO on 31 May 1953 at the Royal Albert Hall. The programme, conducted by then Principal Conductor Josef Krips, featured Beethoven Symphonies Nos 5 & 8 and the 'Emperor' Piano Concerto with Claudio Arrau. But what we don't know for sure is whether the Queen-to-be was in attendance - Court Circulars in The Times archive seems to suggest not. Too busy polishing the orb and sceptre perhaps!

2013-06-04 11:46:53 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 12 +1s)

Discover Szymanowski with LSO Live's new release of the early symphonies, available on SACD or download: http://bit.ly/10tMkye  Watch a video about one of Poland's greatest musical figures:

2013-06-03 11:25:15 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

Yesterday we had Michael Tilson Thomas giving a conducting masterclass to three students who are just starting out on their conducting careers. This is just one of the schemes LSO Discovery runs for the next generation of classical music professionals. Find out more about these here http://lso.co.uk/for-young-musicians

This video was filmed in 2008 at a conducting masterclass taken by Valery Gergiev, and demonstrates the importance of these kinds of initiative. LSO Conducting Masterclass with Valery Gergiev

2013-05-30 14:45:54 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 19 +1s)

It seems that Google are having some issues with archiving past Hangouts On Air, so at the moment yesterday's web chat with the Final Fantasy composers is unavailable. We hope to have it back shortly!

In the meantime, enjoy this pic from the rehearsal for the Final Symphony concert tonight, taken by our Bass Clarinettist Lorenzo Iosco.

If anyone is going tonight, there's a CD signing with the composers on the Barbican Foyer, level 0, outside the Barbican Shop, from 4.30pm. And also a pre-concert talk with the arrangers in the Hall from 6pm. Turn up early and enjoy these free events.

2013-05-29 16:26:10 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 11 +1s)

We're minutes away from starting our web chat with the FINAL FANTASY composers. Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/embed/lEfahwDhb4E

2013-05-29 15:59:53 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

In 30 mins we'll be live with FINAL FANTASY composers Nobuo Uematsu & Masashi Hamauzu on our G+ page and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/LIXG6p. They'll be answering questions already sent in via our social networks, and you can send in questions during the chat using the comments boxes or on Twitter using #lsohangout

2013-05-29 13:56:00 (0 comments, 7 reshares, 21 +1s)

And another piece of musical history from 100 years ago - the premiere of The Rite of Spring took place 100 years ago today (conducted by the man later to become our Principal Conductor, Pierre Monteux) in Paris. In this video we ask key LSO players why this piece is so seminal.

2013-05-29 11:31:45 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)

We've made a new film about the LSO on tour in 1912 and 2012. Using our extensive archives, including diaries written in 1912 by LSO musicians on the tour, we tell the story of a tour that has become the stuff of folklore. Deaths, strikes, accidents, the Titanic... Find out how the LSO made history and continues to tour 100 years later.

2013-05-28 11:36:10 (3 comments, 1 reshares, 36 +1s)

Amazing night in Trafalgar Square. Roughly 10,000 people turned up to hear us play Berlioz for free. We drowned out all sorts with March to the Scaffold - marchers, buses, sirens, motorbikes and celebrating football fans. Classical music wins the day! 

2013-05-27 08:10:54 (3 comments, 4 reshares, 34 +1s)

Today we play a free concert in London's Trafalgar Square. If you're in the area, come by and join us. We'll be playing Berlioz. It's free, just turn up. Starts at 6.30pm, but get there early to get a space. This was the scene last night as the stage rigging was finished, with one of Landseer's lions at the bottom of Nelson's Column supervising the process.

2013-05-26 17:49:02 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 47 +1s)

Just spent a quick 24 hours in St Petersburg, where our Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev has just opened his new concert hall Mariinsky II. We were the first international orchestra to play there, and we can report that it's fabulous. As this picture shows, even the staircases are astonishing. What a place.

2013-05-25 10:41:27 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

On Tuesday next week we're officially launching our Principal Flute Gareth Davies book The Show Must Go On with a party at LSO St Luke's. These amazing mini sugar icing books have been made by Victoria's Kitchen (http://www.victorias-kitchen.com/) to go on top of cupcakes. Can't wait to see if the book tastes as good as it reads! 

2013-05-24 15:59:14 (1 comments, 2 reshares, 3 +1s)

We've had some problems with ur Hangout with Maxine and Sarah but you can hopefully watch us now here: http://www.twitch.tv/acheesedanishtv

2013-05-24 10:51:24 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

Later today we'll be running a Google+ Hangout with violinists Sarah Chang and +Maxine Kwok-Adams. If you'd like to take part, pop on over to the event page for the full details, including the time in your timezone and instructions on how to get into the Hangout room to chat with the girls. https://plus.google.com/b/112342821455526396590/events/c8cl0gcjsgjf4hp84pfthbu7bto

2013-05-22 10:29:14 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

A special opportunity to watch a live web chat with the composers of the music for the FINAL FANTASY® video games, Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu, on Wednesday 29 May at 5.30pm BST (check the time in your timezone here http://bit.ly/12A345H)

The day after, the LSO will play the music from FINAL FANTASY® VI, VII and X in new arrangements for orchestra live at the Barbican in London, the first time we'll have performed a live video game concert.

Watch the chat live:
- On our Google Plus page: http://plus.google.com/+londonsymphonyorchestra
- On our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/londonsymphonyorchestra

Mr Uematsu and Mr Hamauzu will answer questions sent in via Google Plus and Facebook - if you have a question for them, please post in the comments box below by Wednesday 22 May. They will also take questions live on the day.

If youca... more »

2013-05-21 12:04:09 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 21 +1s)

We've been making a documentary about the LSO's tour to the US in 1912 and how it relates to our tours today. Some of the stories are wonderful! Our Principal Flute Gareth Davies has been digging into the archives and his tour blog for his new book The Show Must Go On, so if you're interested, you can get the book from our website (here http://bit.ly/ZPHFI3) and look out for the documentary. Here's a short trailer to give you a taster: The Show Must Go On: on tour with the LSO in 1912 and 2012 - trailer

2013-05-20 16:31:37 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

Love this animated guide to the turbulent life and loves of Hector Berlioz by Sinfini Music: http://youtu.be/yc70b1g92mE. Great for getting in the mood for our Open Air concert in Trafalgar Square next Monday! https://plus.google.com/events/cmumunrbrib2lhpjbgp0gsc3jb4 (at which we'll be playing Berlioz...)

2013-05-17 09:55:12 (1 comments, 2 reshares, 14 +1s)

Due to popular demand, violinist Sarah Chang and LSO First Violin +Maxine Kwok-Adams have agreed to do another Google+ Hangout on Friday 24 May at 4pm BST (time in your timezone here: http://bit.ly/13ElCTE)

We have seven places for the public to join this Hangout. Chat live to one of the world's greatest violin soloists and one of the LSO's fantastic violinists - and two of the most glamorous musicians there will ever be! Sign up by posting a comment below - first come first served.

Last time we talked about Sarah's high-profile career as a soloist, how she got started in music, how she and Maxine first met and what it takes to be a musician today. Maxine and Sarah are great friends and will be joining the Hangout from the US, where they will be on holiday together. Don't miss this chance to ask them your burning questions about life as a musician.

If youc... more »

2013-05-16 13:46:02 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

The latest LSO Live recording of Szymanowski Symphonies 1 & 2. Pre-order now: http://bit.ly/10tMkye

2013-05-29 16:33:30 (4 comments, 7 reshares, 16 +1s)

A special opportunity to watch a live web chat with the composers of the music for the FINAL FANTASY® video games, Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu, on Wednesday 29 May at 5.30pm BST (check the time in your timezone here http://bit.ly/12A345H)

The day after, the LSO will play the music from FINAL FANTASY® VI, VII and X in new arrangements for orchestra live at the Barbican in London, the first time we'll have performed a live video game concert.

Watch the chat live:
- On our Google Plus page: http://plus.google.com/+londonsymphonyorchestra
- On our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/londonsymphonyorchestra

Mr Uematsu and Mr Hamauzu will answer questions sent in via Google Plus and Facebook - if you have a question for them, please post in the comments box below by Wednesday 22 May. They will also take questions live on the day.

If youca... more »

2013-05-14 12:38:11 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Even the pros make mistakes! In his latest tour blog from Italy Gareth Davies describes the moment in Tchaikovsky 4 when the entire woodwind section forgot to come in. How did they get out of that one?! Find out here: http://bit.ly/YSYKkV

2013-05-13 16:25:16 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 18 +1s)

Sir Colin Davis and Sally Matthews during the rehearsals for Der Freischutz last April. The recording has received five stars in the Financial Times http://tinyurl.com/d4yte2w

2013-05-13 09:43:03 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Due to popular demand, violinist Sarah Chang and LSO First Violin +Maxine Kwok-Adams have agreed to do another Google+ Hangout on Friday 24 May at 4pm BST (time in your timezone here: http://bit.ly/13ElCTE)

We have seven places for the public to join this Hangout. Chat live to one of the world's greatest violin soloists and one of the LSO's fantastic violinists - and two of the most glamorous musicians there will ever be! Sign up by posting a comment below - first come first served.

Last time we talked about Sarah's high-profile career as a soloist, how she got started in music, how she and Maxine first met and what it takes to be a musician today. Maxine and Sarah are great friends and will be joining the Hangout from the US, where they will be on holiday together. Don't miss this chance to ask them your burning questions about life as a musician.

If youc... more »

2013-05-13 09:18:57 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

It's a gorgeous day in Italy. Last night we played here at Teatro Gaetano Donizetti in Bergamo. Just about to board the coach for Brescia.

2013-05-25 14:58:04 (101 comments, 14 reshares, 24 +1s)

Due to popular demand, violinist Sarah Chang and LSO First Violin +Maxine Kwok-Adams have agreed to do another Google+ Hangout on Friday 24 May at 4pm BST (time in your timezone here: http://bit.ly/13ElCTE)

We have seven places for the public to join this Hangout. Chat live to one of the world's greatest violin soloists and one of the LSO's fantastic violinists - and two of the most glamorous musicians there will ever be! Sign up by posting a comment below - first come first served.

Last time we talked about Sarah's high-profile career as a soloist, how she got started in music, how she and Maxine first met and what it takes to be a musician today. Maxine and Sarah are great friends and will be joining the Hangout from the US, where they will be on holiday together. Don't miss this chance to ask them your burning questions about life as a musician.

If youc... more »

2013-05-26 20:37:51 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

Added photos to BMW LSO Open Air Classics 2013.

2013-05-27 18:23:16 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 8 +1s)

A free concert with the London Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev in the heart of London.

Artists:
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev: conductor
Rachel Leach: presenter
Young musicians from LSO On Track and Guildhall School

Programme:
Berlioz Overture: Le corsaire
Berlioz arr Gareth Glynn Movements from Symphonie fantastique
Berlioz Symphony fantastique

Outstanding music performed in the open air on Bank Holiday Monday – free for everyone in an informal atmosphere. Large screens will be mounted on either side of the stage to allow the audience to witness the concert close up.

Tickets: FREE - just turn up.

Around 10,000 people attended last year's concert, so come early to get a space! Bring a picnic and drinks, but please no glass or furniture.

Find out more on our website:h... more »

2013-05-06 07:43:50 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

This is what you should do on the next Bank Holiday and the end of May! BMW LSO Open Air Classics: 2013 trailer

2013-05-05 15:43:22 (6 comments, 4 reshares, 26 +1s)

A family concert this afternoon means the players get to dress informally. Coordination of accessories is optional! Check out +Maxine Kwok-Adams's pink outfit. 

2013-05-03 16:54:47 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Sir Colin Davis' recording of Berlioz: Requiem has been awarded recording of the month on Music Web International. This was his final performance with the LSO. Read the review here: http://tinyurl.com/cqpmcyt

2013-05-03 14:11:29 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

Who wants to see the LSO for free? On Monday 27 May we'll be playing Berlioz live in Trafalgar Square in London. It's Bank Holiday Monday, so we're hoping for a big crowd. Starts at 6.30pm, but come early and get a place - more than 10,000 people turned up last year! This is one of our tube posters advertising it, so the word is out... More details here http://bit.ly/WH3vfj

2013-05-03 12:39:55 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

This really is something to be cherished: footage from the recording of Weber's Der Freischutz in the Barbican, featuring interviews with Sir Colin Davis, Christine Brewer, Simon O'Neill and producer James Mallinson. http://youtu.be/7ZQwJjTVpvk

2013-05-02 10:15:36 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

Happy 60th birthday to our Principal Conductor, Valery Gergiev. He's celebrating by opening his new concert hall in St Petersburg, Mariinsky II. Here's our birthday message to the Maestro:

Since the London Symphony Orchestra first worked with you in 1988 and especially since you became Principal Conductor in 2007, the LSO and our audiences across the globe have deeply appreciated your inspired music-making. The imagination, the energy and the passion that you bring to every concert, coupled with your extraordinary insight into the twentieth century repertoire, makes for unforgettable performances.

There have been so many special musical journeys which began in London and toured internationally — the complete cycle of Prokofiev symphonies, Mahler, Brahms and Szymanowski Symphonies in London, Edinburgh, Paris New York and Tokyo, as well as highly memorable visits to the BBCP... more »

2013-04-30 16:15:12 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Something of interest (hopefully!) to this community of classical music enthusiasts: our Principal Flute Gareth Davies has written a book about the life of a touring orchestra, with an added twist - exploring the US tour the LSO undertook 100 years ago in 1912 through the diary written by the timpanist Charles Turner.

Gareth's been writing a tour blog for the LSO since 2007, and everyone said he should write a book... so he did!

We have a limited run of 500 books to sell at the bargain price of £10 (+P&P) which will all be signed by Gareth, and posted out before the official release date of 30 May. A Kindle edition will also be released on 30 May.

If you'd like to buy a book, please visit this page on the LSO website http://bit.ly/ZPHFI3. Thanks everyone!