The LSO at 120
120 years ago four brass players hatched a plan on a train to Manchester to form a new orchestra, run as a co-operative, and so the London Symphony Orchestra was born.
On 9 June 1904, the LSO held their inaugural concert at the Queen’s Hall. To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the LSO we’ve compiled some of the best bits of our archive to help you explore the history of our Orchestra.
Videos
Stories
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The Birth of the London Symphony Orchestra
In 1904 four brass players hatched a plan on a train to Manchester to form a new orchestra, run as a co-operative, and so the London Symphony Orchestra was born.
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Thomas Busby's Speech
Images and transcript of the never-before-seen speech from our archive, written by founding member, Thomas Busby.
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Pierre Monteux, Principal Conductor 1961–64
A look back at Pierre Monteux’s time with the LSO, and the man behind the moustache.
