Founded in 1840 by the Liverpool Philharmonic Society, this orchestra is now the second oldest orchestra in Britain and one of the oldest in the world. Originally named the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, it was granted royal patronage in 1957 and in 1991 it received the freedom of the city.
Over the years it has gained national and international recognition, making its first tour overseas in 1966, and when at home it performs at least sixty concerts every year in the Philharmonic Hall and holds a series of concerts in Blackburn and Preston.
Throughout its history it has been led by many acclaimed conductors that include Sir Henry Wood, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Sir Charles Halle, Max Bruch, Sir Charles Groves, Gerard Scwarz, and the present holder of the position, Vasily Petrenko.
Their numerous recordings have received a great deal of recognition and several of them have been with the accompaniment of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir. In 2001 they raised their profile by going into partnership with the UK’S Classic FM radio station that has gained them the title Classic FM’s Orchestra in North West England.
In 2015 the orchestra started a series of special events and a concert to celebrate its 175th anniversary.
William Alwyn recordings
Lyra Angelica – Concerto for Harp and Orchestra
Naxos 8.557647 (CD: Alwyn: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5/Harp Concerto, “Lyra Angelica”)
Conductor – David Lloyd-Jones
Harp – Suzanne Willison
Symphony No. 2
Naxos 8.557647
Conductor – David Lloyd-Jones
Symphony No. 5- Hydriotaphia
Naxos 8.557647
Conductor – David Lloyd-Jones
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