BBC Philharmonic

The BBC Philharmonic is a professional symphony orchestra based in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is subsidised by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Reputation

The orchestra played at its first Prom in 1961, and enjoyed popularity with performances at the Free Trade Hall, a venue it shared with the Hallé Orchestra.

Related Topics:
Prom - 1961 - Free Trade Hall - Hallé Orchestra

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1982, the orchestra received a vote of confidence from the BBC, who expanded the orchestra and changed its name to the BBC Philharmonic. The name gave the message that ensemble was no longer a Northern orchestra - it was an orchestra based in the North.

Related Topics:
1982 - BBC - North

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Like all BBC performing groups, it contributes to the schedule of Radio 3, recording at Studio 7 of New Broadcasting House on Oxford Road, Manchester. Since 1996, most of the orchestra's live performances have been at the city's Bridgewater Hall, although it frequently tours the UK and internationally.

Related Topics:
BBC performing groups - Radio 3 - Manchester - 1996 - Bridgewater Hall - UK

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anecdotally, the 'BBC Phil' is known as the most adventurous of the BBC orchestras, and has a younger demographic of players. It has always embraced contemporary composers, working with Copland, Walton and Berio amongst others. Since 1991, the orchestra has appointed a British composer/conductor - Peter Maxwell Davies held the post until 2000, before being succeeded by James MacMillan.

Related Topics:
BBC - Orchestras - Composer - Copland - Walton - Berio - 1991 - British - Conductor - Peter Maxwell Davies - 2000 - James MacMillan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The BBC Philharmonic has made over 130 recordings, and for the most part, it has steered clear of orchestral 'warhorses'. Series of British film music, the music of George Enescu, and Stokowski's Bach transcriptions have been featured, all on the Chandos label.

Related Topics:
Film music - George Enescu - Stokowski - Bach - Transcriptions - Chandos

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~