History

The New London Orchestra was launched by Ronald Corp in 1988 to fill a gap in London’s orchestral scene by programming 20th century works rarely heard in concert. The Orchestra, famed for its excellent performances, established itself quickly in the concert hall, on disc and on the radio. A distinctive programming style won critical recognition and secured the Orchestra’s place in London’s rich music scene.

The New London Orchestra has performed at the BBC Proms, all the major London venues, at other prestigious UK festivals, and for dance impresario Matthew Bourne’s ballet company in his ground-breaking all-male productions of Swan Lake, Nutcracker and Cinderella.

The New London Orchestra has recorded 18 discs on Hyperion Records, including the first complete recording of Sullivan’s The Golden Legend, The Prodigal Son, and Contrabandista. Discs featuring music by Poulenc, Satie, Prokofiev, Virgil Thompson, Milhaud, and Rutland Boughton have filled a niche in the market. Four discs of ‘British Light Music Classics’ have become particular favourites (especially on Classic FM and BBC Radio 3’s Light Programme) as have discs of ‘European Light Music Classics’ and ‘American Light Music Classics’. The Orchestra has also delved into the much-neglected world of English operetta, recording Sidney Jones’ The Geisha (Gramophone’s Critics Choice of 1999), and Fraser-Simson’s The Maid of the Mountains (Gramophone’s Critics Choice of 2000).

The Orchestra’s Education and Community department was set up in 2000. Current projects include a large-scale community music programme in Newham, one of the five Olympic boroughs, which will culminate in 2012. The Orchestra is also continuing to develop its unique curriculum programme, using music as a tool to enhance learning in Literacy, Maths and Science.