1940s
1940s
Walter Legge
1945
Founding of Philharmonia Concert Society
1945 : Founding of Philharmonia Concert Society
The Philharmonia Orchestra is founded in the summer of 1945, originally under the name ‘Philharmonia Concert Society’. The initial premise of the ensemble is to promote quartet and chamber music. Within months of its foundation the Orchestra enjoys a successful run of recordings. This tradition continues into the Philharmonia’s work today as one of the world’s most recorded orchestras.
Earliest photo of the Philharmonia Orchestra rehearsing at Kingsway Hall
1945
First Philharmonia concert, conducted by Thomas Beecham
1945 : First Philharmonia concert, conducted by Thomas Beecham
Thomas Beecham, a close friend of founder and impresario Walter Legge, conducts the first Philharmonia Orchestra concert on 27 October 1945 at Kingsway Hall in London. Beecham and Legge fall out straight away, when Legge turns down Beecham’s offer to be Music Director. Beecham leaves with the quip: "The name 'Philharmonia' is ridiculous, anyway, no one will ever remember it."
Ginette Neveu
1945
Recording: Sibelius' Violin Concerto
1945 : Recording: Sibelius' Violin Concerto
The Philharmonia is engaged by EMI for its first major recording, with the young French violinist Ginette Neveu as soloist and Walter Susskind conducting Sibelius' Violin Concerto. This interpretation is still considered one of the finest.
The Captive Heart
1946
First film soundtrack
1946 : First film soundtrack
The Philharmonia records the first of its long history of film soundtracks: Alan Rawsthorne's score to The Captive Heart, directed by Basil Dearden.
Richard Strauss
1947
Philharmonia conducted by Richard Strauss at Royal Albert Hall
1947 : Philharmonia conducted by Richard Strauss at Royal Albert Hall
A major event for the young orchestra: the Philharmonia appears at the Royal Albert Hall in October 1947, conducted by Richard Strauss, with a programme that includes Don Juan, Sinfonia Domestica and Rondo Burlesque, with piano soloist Alfred Blumen.
Maharajah of Mysore
1949
The Maharajah of Mysore funds Karajan
1949 : The Maharajah of Mysore funds Karajan
The funds needed to support Legge’s ambition to lure Herbert von Karajan away from the Vienna Philharmonic arrive from an unusual source. Through a connection with Russian pianist/composer, Nicolas Medtner, a young Indian Prince, the Maharajah of Mysore, donates generously. A delighted Legge makes the Maharajah the President of the Orchestra.
1950s
1950s
Furtwängler conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra
1950
World premiere of Strauss' Four Last Songs
1950 : World premiere of Strauss' Four Last Songs
A second Richard Strauss concert: the Philharmonia Orchestra gives the world premiere of Vier Letzte Lieder, Four Last Songs, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler. Norwegian soprano Kirsten Flagstad is the soloist at the Royal Albert Hall.
Royal Festival Hall opening programme
1951
Royal Festival Hall opening
1951 : Royal Festival Hall opening
A new concert hall opens: on 3 May 1951, members of the Philharmonia are invited to take part in the inaugural concert of the Royal Festival Hall, built as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. Klemperer conducts two concerts in the opening series of concerts at the South Bank site.
Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
1951
Recording: Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
1951 : Recording: Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
Igor Markevitch conducts the first ever British orchestra recording of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. This record is still considered one of the classic interpretations of the work.
Wagner's Tristan und Isolde
1952
Recording: Wagner's Tristan und Isolde
1952 : Recording: Wagner's Tristan und Isolde
Wilhelm Furtwängler makes the very first complete recording of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde at Kingsway Hall, with Kirsten Flagstadt as the heroine and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as Kurwenal.
Karajan rehearsing with the Philharmonia at Kingsway Hall
1952
First European Tour
1952 : First European Tour
1952, May – The Philharmonia’s first European tour, organised by Walter Legge. It covers five countries with concerts in Paris, Berne, Turin, Geneva, Basel, Zürich, Milan, Vienna, Linz, Munich, Hamburg and Berlin. Karajan conducts throughout.
Toscanini conducting the Philharmonia in rehearsal at Royal Festival Hall
1952
Toscanini conducts the Philharmonia
1952 : Toscanini conducts the Philharmonia
Toscanini conducts the Philharmonia at the Royal Festival Hall. Nervous of a Maestro with a reputation for his volcanic temper, most of the players are seated on the platform 20 minutes before the first rehearsal is due to start – a previously unheard of occurrence. Later, Toscanini mentions to Legge that it was the first time in his life that he had felt he was not a conductor but "merely a musician making music with fellow musicians".
Arturo Toscanini
1952
Recording: Brahms' Symphonies Cycle
1952 : Recording: Brahms' Symphonies Cycle
Arturo Toscanini conducts Brahms’ Four Symphonies at the Royal Festival Hall in two of the most memorable concerts ever in London. The recordings soon obtain legendary status.
Dennis Brain
1953
Recording: Mozart's Horn Concertos
1953 : Recording: Mozart's Horn Concertos
Dennis Brain records Mozart’s Horn Concertos with Herbert von Karajan conducting. This is still considered the finest performance of these works on record.
Beethoven's Symphonies Cycle
1954
Recording: Beethoven's Symphonies Cycle
1954 : Recording: Beethoven's Symphonies Cycle
Herbert von Karajan conducts the first integral recording of Beethoven’s Nine Symphonies. This recording is still regarded as one of the best versions of these works.
Karajan rehearsing with the Philharmonia at Kingsway Hall
1955
US tour with Karajan
1955 : US tour with Karajan
1955, October – With a growing reputation as the leading orchestra in Europe, the Philharmonia undertakes 24 highly successful concerts across the USA in four weeks, led by Karajan, whose popularity continues to grow. The concert is such a success, it is rumoured that the New York Philharmonic holds an inquest after the Philharmonia visit and sacks some of its players.
Dennis Brain
1957
Dennis Brain dies
1957 : Dennis Brain dies
Tragedy: making the long drive back from a concert at the Edinburgh International Festival, Dennis Brain’s car leaves the road and hits a tree. The principal horn and founder member dies instantly, aged just 36.
Richard Strauss' Capriccio
1959
Recording: Richard Strauss' Capriccio
1959 : Recording: Richard Strauss' Capriccio
Walter Legge produces a landmark recording of Strauss’ Capriccio at Kingsway Hall, with soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf as the Countess and Wolfgang Sawallisch conducting.
Lorin Maazel
1959
Lorin Maazel's debut
1959 : Lorin Maazel's debut
A 29-year-old American conductor impresses the Orchestra with his confidence, memory and skill: Lorin Maazel makes his debut with the Philharmonia at the Calouste Gulbenkian Festival in Lisbon.
Otto Klemperer
1960s
1960s
Mahler's Resurrection Symphony
1962
Recording: Mahler's Resurrection Symphony
1962 : Recording: Mahler's Resurrection Symphony
Otto Klemperer's recording of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony (No. 2) is one of the pinnacles of the early recordings, rarely, if ever, matched in the history of the industry.
Igor Stravinsky and leader Hugh Bean
1963
First tour of Latin America for a British Orchestra
1963 : First tour of Latin America for a British Orchestra
1963, August – the first Latin American tour by any British orchestra. The climax of the tour is a concert of Stravinsky’s music in Rio de Janeiro, conducted by the 81-year-old composer himself. Craft conducts Fireworks and Symphony in Three Movements, before Stravinsky conducts the Suite Le baiser de la fée himself.
Otto Klemperer, Adrian Boult, Walter Legge and Carlo Maria Giulini
1964
Legge attempts to disband Orchestra
1964 : Legge attempts to disband Orchestra
On Tuesday 10 March 1964, Walter Legge announces the shock suspension of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Members of the Orchestra react immediately and arrange an emergency meeting at a recording session with Otto Klemperer. A week later, the players elect their own governing body and re-establish the Orchestra under the name ‘New Philharmonia Orchestra’.
Inaugural concert of New Philharmonia at Royal Albert Hall
1964
Inaugural concert of the New Philharmonia
1964 : Inaugural concert of the New Philharmonia
The inaugural concert of the New Philharmonia Orchestra takes place on 27 October 1964, conducted by Otto Klemperer, honorary president of the Orchestra at the time. They perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in a gala concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This features both the New Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus to launch the Orchestra’s Trust Appeal.
Stravinsky concert programme
1965
Stravinsky conducts Philharmonia
1965 : Stravinsky conducts Philharmonia
In September, Igor Stravinsky arrives to conduct the Orchestra in a concert of his own works at the Royal Festival Hall. He arrives at the first rehearsal very casually dressed in his carpet slippers. The concert is outstanding, the applause going on so long that Stravinsky’s final bow is taken in his overcoat!
Mendelssohn's Elijah
1970s
1970s
Otto Klemperer and Lorin Maazel
1970
Maazel appointed Associate Principal Conductor
1970 : Maazel appointed Associate Principal Conductor
With Klemperer’s health in decline, Lorin Maazel is appointed alongside him as Associate Principal Conductor, to an approving London press: “With Klemperer to look after the orchestra’s soul, Maazel will doctor the body.”
John Pritchard
1970
Pritchard conducts first tour to Japan
1970 : Pritchard conducts first tour to Japan
1970, July – The Philharmonia’s first visit to Japan, invited to represent British orchestral music at Expo ’70 in Osaka. The Principal Conductor is to be Barbirolli, but he dies a week before the tour begins, leaving John Pritchard to take the reigns on an intense tour schedule – with a stop back to Glyndebourne halfway through.
Lorin Maazel conducting
1971
Maazel's first USA tour with the Philharmonia
1971 : Maazel's first USA tour with the Philharmonia
1971, October – Appointed that year as the New Philharmonia’s Assistant Principal Conductor, Lorin Maazel embarks on his first USA tour with the Orchestra. They are the first London orchestra to play at Washington’s recently opened Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Riccardo Muti
1972
Muti becomes Principal Conductor
1972 : Muti becomes Principal Conductor
Following a nod from Karajan, Walter Legge recommends the talents of a young Riccardo Muti to the Orchestra, saying simply to General Manager Gerald McDonald: “He is the conductor for you”. He was, and Muti swiftly became the Philharmonia’s Principal Conductor.
Tchaikovsky's Manfred Symphony
1973
Recording: Tchaikovsky's Symphonies Cycle
1973 : Recording: Tchaikovsky's Symphonies Cycle
Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies Cycle conducted by Riccardo Muti is considered one of the most consistent ever, and is part of the 56 recordings he made in 10 years with the Philharmonia.
Vladimir Ashkenazy
1977
Ashkenazy conducts the Philharmonia for first time
1977 : Ashkenazy conducts the Philharmonia for first time
Renowned pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy cements his second musical career as a conductor, making his first appearance with the Philharmonia at a concert in Swansea.
Arriving in Palermo, General Manager Gavin Henderson (right) with Transport Manager Anthony Farnell (centre) and Assistant Transport Manager Derek Beckley
1978
Worst. Tour. Ever
1978 : Worst. Tour. Ever
1978, April – A contender for one of the Philharmonia’s worst ever tours, although this has nothing to do with their conductor, Riccardo Muti. Marooned at Heathrow by strikes, shut out of hotels in Venice, engine trouble and lost luggage in Naples, topped off with the worst ferry crossing in living memory, combining Force 9 gales with a sea quake!
Riccardo Muti, with Principal Second Violin Gillian Eastwood and First Violin and Chairman Martyn Jones
1979
Muti offered position of Music Director
1979 : Muti offered position of Music Director
Riccardo Muti is offered, and accepts, the title of Music Director, succeeding Klemperer. Muti’s conditions – that he have the last word on concert programming and new membership of the Orchestra – are possible given the strength of the relationship with the players.
Leader Carl Pini and Prince Charles
1979
Prince of Wales agrees to become Patron
1979 : Prince of Wales agrees to become Patron
In May, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales becomes the Patron of the Philharmonia, the first since the Orchestra’s founding in 1945. He remains a supporter to this day, and has been a great champion of the Orchestra and its work.
1980s
1980s
Music of Today
1980
Music of Today launched
1980 : Music of Today launched
The Orchestra signs a generous sponsorship deal with British American Tobacco, announced to press at the Savoy Hotel on 14 August. The particular brand linked with the Orchestra is du Maurier cigarettes. The Orchestra consequently launches Music of Today, a series which champions new music and contemporary composers to the present day.
Vladimir Ashkenazy in Japan
1981
Ashkenazy made Principal Guest Conductor & Japan tour
1981 : Ashkenazy made Principal Guest Conductor & Japan tour
The Philharmonia Orchestra’s tour to Japan in 1981 sees much-loved pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, recently appointed Principal Guest Conductor, settle into his role by conducting twenty concerts in a gruelling one-month tour!
John Wallace (principal trumpet) cutting the royal cake
1981
The Philharmonia plays at Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana
1981 : The Philharmonia plays at Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana
On 29 July 1981, Prince Charles marries Diana Spencer at St Paul’s Cathedral in a televised ceremony watched by over 700 million people worldwide. Prince Charles invites three orchestras to perform at the wedding: the Philharmonia Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Opera Orchestra. The newly-weds walk down the aisle to Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance.
1982
Friends of the Philharmonia created
1982 : Friends of the Philharmonia created
The Friends of the Philharmonia is established in March 1982 to help increase ticket subscribers by personal introduction. The scheme is a great success with improved audience figures and a rise of paid attendances; 22 of the 34 concerts sell out the following season.
Sibelius' 4th Symphony
1983
Recording: Sibelius' Symphonies
1983 : Recording: Sibelius' Symphonies
Vladimir Ashkenazy’s recording of the complete Sibelius Symphonies Cycle with Decca is regarded as one of the best interpretations of the Finnish composer’s work.
Esa-Pekka Salonen debut programme
1983
Salonen makes debut conducting Mahler's Third Symphony
1983 : Salonen makes debut conducting Mahler's Third Symphony
A 25-year-old Finnish conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, makes his London conducting debut, stepping in at the last minute for an indisposed Michael Tilson Thomas, conducting a now-legendary performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 3 with the Philharmonia Orchestra. He forms an immediate bond with the players, and takes the title of Principal Guest Conductor from the same year.
Giuseppe Sinopoli
1983
Sinopoli made Principal Conductor
1983 : Sinopoli made Principal Conductor
Giuseppe Sinopoli, aged 36, makes his first appearance with the Philharmonia on 13 February 1983, and is offered the appointment of Principal Conductor 20 days later.
Gilbert & Sullivan's Pineapple Poll
1983
Recording: Gilbert & Sullivan's Pineapple Poll
1983 : Recording: Gilbert & Sullivan's Pineapple Poll
In 1983 the Philharmonia records Gilbert and Sullivan’s Comic Ballet score Pineapple Poll with conductor Sir Charles Mackerras.
Mackerras arranges the ballet from existing Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire in 1951 during his time at Sadler’s Wells Opera. Mackerras will later become Principal Guest Conductor of the Philharmonia in 2002.
Vladimir Ashkenazy conducting a rehearsal in Adelaide
1984
Ashkenazy Tour - 23 concerts in 29 days
1984 : Ashkenazy Tour - 23 concerts in 29 days
1984, February – The players vote this one of the most enjoyable tours ever undertaken by the Philharmonia, with Vladimir Ashkenazy conducting through a mammoth global tour of 23 concerts in 29 days. Players admire the Maestro’s work ethic, spending what limited free time he could find to practise at the piano.
President Vincent Meyer
1985
Vincent Meyer joins the Philharmonia as President
1985 : Vincent Meyer joins the Philharmonia as President
On 1 April 1985, the young Swiss philanthropist Vincent Meyer is appointed President of the Philharmonia. Mr Meyer still holds this position and has played a big part in the ever-evolving success of the Philharmonia.
György Ligeti and Esa-Pekka Salonen
1987
Salonen conducts several Stravinsky concerts
1987 : Salonen conducts several Stravinsky concerts
Esa-Pekka Salonen continues his work with the Orchestra, bringing more 20th Century music to Philharmonia audiences. His repertoire includes Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Jeu de cartes, and the music of György Ligeti, whose music has a growing fascination.
Giuseppe SInopoli in Japan
1987
The Philharmonia plays inaugural concert for Suntory Hall in Tokyo
1987 : The Philharmonia plays inaugural concert for Suntory Hall in Tokyo
In 1987, Sinopoli conducts a concert with the Philharmonia in Japan to celebrate the opening of Suntory Hall, sponsored by the Suntory Whisky Company. Japan is still a relatively new prospect on the classical music scene; the opening of this hall promotes this nascent – and very important – new territory.
David Whelton
1988
David Whelton appointed Managing Director
1988 : David Whelton appointed Managing Director
David Whelton leaves Arts Council England to become Managing Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra. The 2015/16 season marks Mr Whelton’s final season with the Orchestra as Managing Director, after 29 years in the post.
Esa-Pekka Salonen
1989
Salonen conducts The Rite of Spring tour
1989 : Salonen conducts The Rite of Spring tour
Marking the first Arts Council Prudential Tour of England, in 1989 Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts seven concerts in seven days with Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Salonen, who is passionate about Stravinsky’s works, is renowned for his exciting interpretations of this work in particular.
1990s
1990s
Mahler's 8th Symphony
1990
Recording: Mahler's 8th Symphony
1990 : Recording: Mahler's 8th Symphony
During his time as Principal Conductor at the Philharmonia, Giuseppe Sinopoli records the complete Mahler Symphonies Cycle. His recording of Mahler’s 8th Symphony Symphony of a Thousand particularly stands out for us as a landmark recording in the Philharmonia's history.
Giuseppe Sinopoli with the Philharmonia
1990
Sinopoli conducts Mahler Cycle in Tokyo
1990 : Sinopoli conducts Mahler Cycle in Tokyo
1990 – At the invitation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Orchestra takes on the enormous challenge of playing all the Symphonies and Songs Cycles of Mahler during the UK 90 cultural celebrations in Tokyo, with Principal Conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli conducting.
1991
Hyde Park concert with Pavarotti
1991 : Hyde Park concert with Pavarotti
In 1991, the Philharmonia performs in Hyde Park with Pavarotti. Despite the British weather (torrential rain, of course), it is a spectacular event, attended by the Orchestra’s patron HRH The Prince of Wales.
James MacMillan
1991
James MacMillan is Music of Today's first Artistic Director
1991 : James MacMillan is Music of Today's first Artistic Director
James MacMillan becomes the first Artistic Director of the Music of Today series, marking the beginning of a long-term investment in new music. The Philharmonia Orchestra prides itself on its long-term collaborations with the finest musicians of our day, supporting emerging as well as established artists.
Giuseppe SInopoli conducting the orchestra
1992
Sinopoli steps down from role as Principal Conductor
1992 : Sinopoli steps down from role as Principal Conductor
At the end of the 1991/92 season Giuseppe Sinopoli steps down from his role as Principal Conductor after ten years, leaving a substantial legacy of acclaimed recordings, international touring and projects of immense value to the Orchestra.
Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
1993
Philharmonia becomes Resident Orchestra at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris
1993 : Philharmonia becomes Resident Orchestra at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris
1993, February – The Philharmonia is delighted to become resident at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with an agreement to appear twice a year, during which they will perform an opera with an international cast and repeat concerts from their RFH series. The new resident’s debut performance is La Traviata, conducted by Antonio Pappano.
Christoph von Dohnányi conducting the Philharmonia in rehearsal
1994
Dohnányi becomes Principal Guest Conductor
1994 : Dohnányi becomes Principal Guest Conductor
At the end of the 1993/94 season Esa-Pekka Salonen and Claus Peter Flor come to the end of their contracts as Principal Guest Conductors. Christoph von Dohnányi, who only two years earlier had come back to conduct the Philharmonia for the first time in 20 years, accepts the Orchestra’s invitation to become the new Principal Guest Conductor, commencing in September 1994.
Royal Festival Hall, London
1995
Philharmonia invited to become Resident at RFH
1995 : Philharmonia invited to become Resident at RFH
Southbank Centre invites the Philharmonia to become a resident orchestra at Royal Festival Hall in 1995, alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This residency continues to this day, with Royal Festival Hall forming the heart of the Philharmonia’s London programme. The Philharmonia Orchestra now presents around 40 concerts at the Royal Festival Hall each season.
De Montfort Hall, Leicester
1996
Philharmonia launches its second major UK residency programme at De Montfort Hall, Leicester
1996 : Philharmonia launches its second major UK residency programme at De Montfort Hall, Leicester
This year marks the launch of the Philharmonia’s second major UK residency programme, at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. During this residency audiences for classical music have doubled and the partnership has proved to be a paradigm of its kind, with an active and integrated local community and education programme complementing performances.
Christoph von Dohnányi conducting the Philharmonia in rehearsal
1997
Dohnányi becomes Principal Conductor
1997 : Dohnányi becomes Principal Conductor
After three years serving as Principal Guest Conductor, Christoph von Dohnányi is appointed to the post of Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1997. In 2008, the Maestro’s long-standing relationship with the Orchestra is affirmed with the title of Honorary Conductor for Life.
1998
Celebration of 50 years of youth music in Leicestershire
1998 : Celebration of 50 years of youth music in Leicestershire
The Philharmonia Orchestra and Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra celebrate 50 years of youth music in Leicestershire with a special concert. With concert seasons continuing to feature world-class artists, and the growth of community-led projects, the Philharmonia looks forward to continuing its successful Leicester residency for many years to come.
2000s
2000s
Fantasia 2000
2000
Fantasia 2000 tour
2000 : Fantasia 2000 tour
Earlier in the year, James Levine had conducted the Philharmonia on the soundtrack to Disney’s 38th feature film, Fantasia 2000. The orchestra celebrates the new millennium with a global tour on a chartered plane to promote the film, playing concerts in Tokyo, Paris, and then New York, as they follow the sun.
2000
Sound Sample library & Sound Exchange
2000 : Sound Sample library & Sound Exchange
A grant from Arts Council England provides the funds to embark on the creation of a new education website, The Sound Exchange. The only existing collection of free sound samples by a symphony orchestra are created to form part of this site. They are still available today: www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore/make_music
EA's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
2001
EA's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
2001 : EA's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
2001 sees our first ever recording for a video game soundtrack with the recording of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for EA Games. Through video game scores we are able to connect with a new audience for the Orchestra and have become the go-to orchestra for video game recordings in the UK.
Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
2002
Recording: Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
2002 : Recording: Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
In 2002 Esa-Pekka Salonen records Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring with the Philharmonia. The strong relationship between the Philharmonia, Salonen and The Rite of Spring, would later become the basis for the Orchestra’s first digital installation RE-RITE.
Christoph von Dohnányi
2003
Dohnányi's tour of the USA
2003 : Dohnányi's tour of the USA
2003, October – Appointed Principal Conductor in 1997, Christoph von Dohnányi embarks on a memorable tour of the USA, travelling with the Orchestra to New York, Washington and Philadelphia.
The Philharmonia becomes Classic FM’s Orchestra on Tour
2003
The Philharmonia becomes Classic FM’s Orchestra on Tour
2003 : The Philharmonia becomes Classic FM’s Orchestra on Tour
The Philharmonia becomes Classic FM’s Orchestra on Tour.
Gustavo Dudamel
2005
Dudamel makes his UK debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra
2005 : Dudamel makes his UK debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra
Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who had made headlines with the Orquestra Sinfónica Simón Bolívar in Venezuela, makes his UK debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra in August 2005 as part of the Allianz Cultural Foundation Conductors' Academy.
PLAY.orchestra
2007
PLAY.orchestra
2007 : PLAY.orchestra
PLAY.orchestra, the Philharmonia’s first interactive installation, launches at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, with a set of 60 fixed outdoor plastic boxes arranged as an orchestra, each marked as an instrument. Sitting on a box activates a part within the orchestra. The seven-week run of this free installation attracts more than 250,000 visitors.
Muti conducts Verdi's Requiem at Westminster Cathedral for 50th anniversary
2007
Muti conducts Verdi's Requiem at Westminster Cathedral for 50th anniversary
2007 : Muti conducts Verdi's Requiem at Westminster Cathedral for 50th anniversary
On 14 March 2007, former Principal Conductor Riccardo Muti conducts Verdi’s Requiem at Westminster Cathedral, over the river from Southbank Centre, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Philharmonia Chorus.
Christoph von Dohnányi
2008
Dohnányi's US tour and Salonen new Principal Conductor
2008 : Dohnányi's US tour and Salonen new Principal Conductor
2008, May – After 10 successful years as the Philharmonia’s Principal Conductor, Christoph von Dohnányi completes another triumphant US Tour travelling to Miami, San Francisco, and then finally Walt Disney Hall in LA. This is a fitting destination to announce Esa-Pekka Salonen as the Philharmonia’s new Principal Conductor, as Dohnányi is appointed Honorary Conductor for Life.
HRH The Prince of Wales
2008
The Philharmonia celebrates HRH The Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday
2008 : The Philharmonia celebrates HRH The Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday
Accompanied by sixty harps, the Philharmonia celebrates HRH The Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday on 14 November 2008 at the Royal Opera House. The programme includes music by British composers loved by HRH – Holst and Elgar – as well as Wagner. The conductor is Owain Arwel Hughes.
Esa-Pekka Salonen
2008
Salonen becomes Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor
2008 : Salonen becomes Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor
Twenty-five years after his spectacular debut with the Philharmonia conducting Mahler’s 3rd Symphony, Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to become the Philharmonia’s Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor after 17 years at the helm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Salonen’s tenure with the Orchestra has been marked by acclaimed in-depth concert series and the development of award-winning digital projects including RE-RITE and The Orchestra app for iPad.
Playing the bass drum
2009
RE-RITE
2009 : RE-RITE
The Philharmonia’s new Digital Team produces a unique immersive installation, RE-RITE, funded by Paul Hamlyn. The semi-derelict Bargehouse on London’s South Bank provides the setting for a walk-through experience of the Orchestra playing Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. This award-winning project has since been taken around the UK and the world; in May 2012 more than 95,000 people in Tianjin, China, visited during a three-week run. www.re-rite.co.uk
Esa-Pekka Salonen
2009
City of Dreams: Vienna, 1900-1935
2009 : City of Dreams: Vienna, 1900-1935
A year after his appointment as Principal Conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen launches his first major series, City of Dreams: Vienna, 1900-1935, running through February-October 2009. The series explores the music and culture of Vienna in the early 20th Century, featuring the music of Mahler, Schoenberg and Berg.
Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel & Ein Heldenleben
2009
Recordings: Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel and Ein Heldenleben
2009 : Recordings: Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel and Ein Heldenleben
A stand-out recording, conducted by the Philharmonia's Honorary Conductor for Life, Christoph von Dohnányi, is our 2009 recording of Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche and Ein Heldenleben, showcasing two of Strauss's great orchestral tone poems.
2010s
2010s
Riccardo Muti rehearsing with the Philharmonia for the 65th anniversary gala concert
2010
Muti conducts 65th Anniversary gala concert
2010 : Muti conducts 65th Anniversary gala concert
Riccardo Muti celebrates the Philharmonia's 65th anniversary, conducting the Orchestra's gala concert at the Royal Festival Hall. A recording of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony marks the occasion.
Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle
2011
Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle
2011 : Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle
Directed by Nick Hillel of Yeast Culture and conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, this unique production features specially created films projected onto the set surrounding the Orchestra. The semi-staged production tours the UK and Europe in October and November 2011. It is co-commissioned by Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian (Lisbon) and Konzerthaus Dortmund.
Orchestra Unwrapped
2011
Orchestra Unwrapped
2011 : Orchestra Unwrapped
Orchestra Unwrapped launches as the Philharmonia’s flagship schools concerts series. Orchestra Unwrapped is for schoolchildren aged 7-11. The programme offers thousands of children the opportunity to experience live music in an engaging and exciting way, accompanied by the educational resources to fully understand it. Click here to visit the website
Unsuk Chin
2011
Unsuk Chin becomes Artistic Director of Music of Today
2011 : Unsuk Chin becomes Artistic Director of Music of Today
Composer Unsuk Chin is appointed third Artistic Director of the Music of Today series, marking its 20th anniversary.
2011
New Canterbury Residency
2011 : New Canterbury Residency
The Philharmonia opens the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, and announces its latest Residency series. www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/residencies
2011
The Orchestra app
2011 : The Orchestra app
In co-operation with Touchpress, Esa-Pekka Salonen and the publisher Music Sales, the Philharmonia produces the award-winning app, The Orchestra, for iPad. www.philharmonia.co.uk/shop/114/the_orchestra_app
Lorin Maazel with the Philharmonia at Royal Festival Hall
2011
Lorin Maazel conducts Mahler Cycle
2011 : Lorin Maazel conducts Mahler Cycle
2011, May – One of the Philharmonia’s greatest conductors, Lorin Maazel, tackles the complete Mahler Cycle with a series of concerts in the RFH, across the UK – including Hull’s City Hall – as well as mainland Europe, managing a total of 27 performances across 16 European cities.
Esa-Pekka Salonen runs with the Olympic Torch
2012
Olympic Torch
2012 : Olympic Torch
Principal Conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, runs with the Olympic Torch as part of the Torch Relay in London.
2012
Three Choirs Festival's Resident Orchestra
2012 : Three Choirs Festival's Resident Orchestra
The Philharmonia formalises its relationship with the world’s oldest music festival, Three Choirs Festival, becoming the Festival’s Resident Orchestra.
Universe of Sound: The Planets
2012
Universe of Sound: The Planets
2012 : Universe of Sound: The Planets
Universe of Sound: The Planets, runs for four months in the Science Museum, London, as part of the 2012 Festival associated with the Olympics. This new immersive installation builds on the success of RE-RITE and goes on to tour the UK in 2013 and 2015. Winner of the 2013 Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Audiences and Engagement.
www.universeofsound.co.uk
Firebird Project
2014
London Music Awards for Firebird Project
2014 : London Music Awards for Firebird Project
The Philharmonia’s Education Department wins the London Music Awards for the Firebird Project, in partnership with the Royal Ballet School, Hounslow Music Service and Richmond Music Trust.
Mahler's Symphonies Cycle
2014
Recording: Mahler's Symphonies Cycle
2014 : Recording: Mahler's Symphonies Cycle
We are fortunate enough to be with Lorin Maazel for his last Mahler Cycle in 2011, which travels to major international concert halls across the UK, Europe and the Far East. Maazel gives 100% of himself to every single performance, and treats every audience with the utmost respect. It is intensely satisfying that we are able to capture his interpretation of the Cycle on CD.
Bartok's Duke Bluebeard's Castle
2014
Recording: Bartók's Duke Bluebeard's Castle
2014 : Recording: Bartók's Duke Bluebeard's Castle
In 2014 the Philharmonia releases a live-concert recording of Bartók’s Duke Bluebeard's Castle. Conducted by Principal Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, the work is recorded during the Philharmonia's 2011 Infernal Dance: Inside the World of Béla Bartók series, and features acclaimed soloists Sir John Tomlinson (Bluebeard) and Michelle de Young (Judith).
iOrchestra
2015
iOrchestra
2015 : iOrchestra
The Philharmonia's largest and most ambitious audience-development and education project ever, iOrchestra attracts over 120,000 visitors from across the South West of England, winning RPS Award for Audiences and Engagement. www.iorchestra.co.uk
The Avengers: Age of Ultron
2015
The Avengers: Age of Ultron soundtrack
2015 : The Avengers: Age of Ultron soundtrack
In 2015 the Philharmonia continues its strong history of recording soundtracks for film and television, recording the soundtrack to Marvel's film The Avengers: The Age of Ultron, the 5th highest-grossing film of all time.
