1970s

• C3PO conducting, 1978 C3PO conducting, 1978
• André Previn, 1970s André Previn, 1970s
• 70th Anniversary programme, 1974 70th Anniversary programme, 1974
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1971

Tour to Russia and the Far East with André Previn and Benjamin Britten.

BBC TV presents the first André Previn’s Music Night – the popular television series, which brings classical music and the LSO to the attention of a huge new audience.

1972

Leopold Stokowski celebrates the 60th anniversary of his first concert with the LSO by conducting the identical programme.

1973

The LSO is the first British orchestra to be invited to perform at the Salzburg Festival, conducted by André Previn, Seiji Ozawa and Karl Böhm.

Britten’s 60th Birthday Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Leonard Bernstein makes a video recording of Mahler’s Symphony No 2 (‘Resurrection’).

1974

The LSO is the first UK orchestra to appear at the Hollywood Bowl.

70th Anniversary.

1975

Led by Sir Jack Lyons, the LSO Trust, in conjunction with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, restores Holy Trinity Church in Southwark to become a much-needed rehearsal venue, Henry Wood Hall.

1976

First Shell-LSO Music Scholarship and National Tour.

1977

Walton’s 75th Birthday Concert.

Khachaturian conducts the LSO in a concert and recording session, not long before his death.

Star Wars is released, with a score by John Williams recorded by the LSO. Trumpeter Maurice Murphy first plays with the LSO on these sessions.

1978

LSO shares in three Grammy awards for the score to Star Wars.

Classic Rock recordings become hugely popular and provide handsome royalties.

1979

Claudio Abbado is appointed Principal Conductor (1979–87).

75th Anniversary. The celebrations included a Gala Concert at the Royal Fesitval Hall in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales.

Tour to Russia with Colin Davis.

Claudio Abbado makes an acclaimed recording of Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky.