'It is vital we protect them'. LSO viola Steve Doman on keeping bees

Friday 20 May is World Bee Day, a worldwide celebration of bees and beekeepers. It aims to raise awareness of how bees contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, the mitigation of climate change and the conservation of the environment.

Meet Tangram, Associate Artists at LSO St Luke's

As humans become more global, living outside places of birth or inhabiting multiple cultures, trailblazing collective Tangram’s mission will feel familiar to many. The group explores ideas of ‘transnational identity’ through celebrating Chinese and Western cultures in music. But their aims are deeper than that. The group wants to break down the idea that China and the West are mutually exclusive entities and connect both ancient traditions in multiple ways.

Obituary: William Bennett

The London Symphony Orchestra is saddened to hear of the death of William Bennett, former Principal Flute, on Wednesday 11 May at the age of 86.

Silvestrov's Prayer for Ukraine: a musical response to war

On Wednesday 18 (LSO St Luke’s in London) and Thursday 19 May (Brighton Festival), we perform works by Lili Boulanger, Marc-André Dalbavie and Tchaikovsky conducted by Marta Gardolińska. Marta has decided to add a short work to the programme, Silvestrov’s Prayer for Ukraine, a work which is now receiving performances all over the world as an expression of solidarity with Ukrainian people.

Artist Spotlight: Insights from LSO Principal Flute Gareth Davies

On Friday 13 May LSO Principal flute Gareth Davies takes to the stage at LSO St Luke’s to perform some of his favourite chamber music for the instrument alongside recital partner Michael McHale, in a concert in partnership with BBC Radio 3. We spoke to Gareth about his instrument and what to expect from the concert.

Press Release: London Symphony Orchestra names leading American composer and conductor André J Thomas as Associate Artist

André J Thomas: The Gospel of Gospel Music

One of the world’s greatest experts in choral and American gospel music, André J Thomas, spoke to James Drury about his passion for this hugely influential genre as he prepares for a celebration of its variety on Sunday 29 May at the Barbican, with the LSO and the massed voices of choirs from across London, including the London Community Gospel Choir, British Gospel Arts Choir and London Symphony Chorus.

Obituary: Harrison Birtwistle, 1934–2022

My Barbican: Libby Rice

My Barbican is a feature in the Barbican’s monthly guides, which asks members of staff and residents about their favourite and secret parts of the Centre and Estate. The April issue of the guide featured Libby Rice, our Archivist, who has been working for the LSO for over 43 years – before the Barbican Centre was opened! Here are Libby’s favourite spots. See how many you know, and look out for them on your next visit.

Welcome to Jonathan Maloney, our new Fourth Horn

This month Jonathan Maloney joins the LSO horn section. Get to know a little more about him.

Retirement Wishes for Jennie Brown

This month we say a fond goodbye to Jennie Brown, cello, who became a Member of the Orchestra in 1982.

Emma-Kate Matthews Unlocks The Architecture of Music

Emma-Kate Matthews is a current composer on the Panufnik Composers Scheme, and she will be workshopping her new piece A Study of Passing Objects in an Accelerating Landscape at the Panufnik Workshops on Thursday 31 March 2022.