What We Do
At the London Symphony Orchestra, we believe that extraordinary music is for everyone, everywhere. It’s a belief rooted in creativity, collaboration and determination – values that have shaped the LSO since 1904, when a group of musicians set out to create and run an orchestra of their own.
Since then, generations of remarkable talents have built our world-renowned reputation for excellence, innovation and sharing the joy of music. We perform a wide-ranging repertoire in front of nearly 200,000 people every year. We commission new composers and living artists to push new boundaries. And we connect with millions more online through our creative collaborations, and education and community programmes.
In London, we’ve been the Resident Orchestra at the Barbican since its opening, performing around 70 concerts each year. Here, we feature our internationally recognised family of artists: Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle, Principal Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda, and Associate Artists Barbara Hannigan and André J Thomas.
Further afield, we have major residencies in Paris, Tokyo and at the Aix-en-Provence Festival. And our in-demand tours regularly take us across the UK, Europe, Asia and North America.
Music that Moves People
LSO Discovery, our education and community programme, is about changing lives through music. Each year, we connect with more than 60,000 people through workshops, events and performances – opening doors for performers and communities from every background.
The programme began nearly 40 years ago as an idea from LSO musicians, who remain at its heart today. Alongside performing, they lead workshops, mentor emerging instrumentalists, composers and conductors, and shape the programme, sharing their expertise directly with the people they work with. Much of this happens at LSO St Luke’s, LSO Discovery’s home on London’s Old Street – an open, welcoming space where anyone can experience live music and get involved.
LSO Discovery focuses on three areas: schools and young people, communities, and emerging artists. That could mean visiting hospitals, playing concerts for families, and creating projects with neurodiverse adults. Or it could be supporting young musicians, designing teaching resources for schools, and running teacher training programmes. Whatever the project, the goal is constant: to help people find confidence, community and a voice through music – today and for the future.
LSO Discovery
Our learning and community programme sharing the power of music with thousands
Pioneering, Award-Winning Albums
Our record company, LSO Live, is one of the largest independent classical labels. With over 200 recordings – including Grammy-winning, and critically acclaimed albums – it combines a musician-led approach with digital innovation.
The label captures the energy of live LSO concerts, from standout new releases like Holst’s The Planets and Bax’s Tintagel with Sir Antonio Pappano, to timeless favourites such as Handel’s Messiah with Sir Colin Davis and Stravinsky’s Ballets with Sir Simon Rattle. These performances reach millions of people around the world every month through streaming, radio and on-demand services. And in 2026, LSO Live was named Label of the Year at the International Classical Music Awards – recognition for producing music true to live performance and the LSO’s artistic spirit.
The World’s Most-Heard Orchestra
For over a century, we’ve been the orchestral power behind moments that define global culture. We’ve recorded music for iconic films, video games, theme parks – and albums in almost every genre.
Anyone who’s watched Star Wars, listened to Rosalía’s album Lux, or visited Disney or Universal Studios resorts has heard the LSO. You’ll see us performing in Maestro, the Oscar-nominated Leonard Bernstein biopic. And hear us join forces with RAYE on the album This Music May Contain Hope – or with Floating Points and jazz legend Pharoah Sanders on the album Promises. Our live performances have made international headlines, featuring artists from Cypress Hill to Frankie Valli, Wynton Marsalis to Yuja Wang.
Time and again, we’re chosen for our collaborative spirit and devotion to craft.
We want to ensure the LSO continues to inspire, connect and belong to everyone – now and for generations to come. We’re able to keep sharing extraordinary music with the world thanks to the generosity of our supporters: the City of London Corporation, Arts Council England, our corporate supporters, trusts and foundations, and individual donors.
