History

Lady Nancy Astor - Who hosted the first 3 LCO performances in 1921 at her home in St James' Place, Chelsea
Lady Nancy Astor - Who hosted the first 3 LCO performances in 1921 at her home in St James' Place, Chelsea

Founded by Anthony Bernard in 1921, the London Chamber Orchestra (LCO) stands as the United Kingdom’s first professional chamber orchestra and has recently celebrated its centenary. Over the past 100 years, LCO has established itself as one of the most inclusive and captivating musical organisations in the country, with a strong commitment to promoting new musical voices and commissioning groundbreaking compositions.

LCO’s impressive repertoire boasts a roster of world-renowned composers and performers, including Stravinsky, Vaughan Williams, Prokofiev, Hindemith, Poulenc, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, James MacMillan, Freya Waley-Cohen, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Gabriel Prokofiev, and Nicholas Korth, among others.

With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, LCO has become a leading voice in the UK’s music scene, supporting new talent and providing a platform for innovative musical expression.

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Front cover of a book showing a violin and the Title - London Chamber Orchestra 101 Years of Transformation
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