The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) was founded in 1932 by conductor Thomas Beecham and ranks among the world's leading symphony orchestras. Based at the Royal Festival Hall on London's Southbank Centre, it also holds a long-standing summer residency at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. A succession of distinguished principal conductors - among them Bernard Haitink, Georg Solti, Klaus Tennstedt and Vladimir Jurowski - shaped its extensive discography; Edward Gardner has led the orchestra since 2021.
In March 2026, the LPO announced that Paavo Järvi will become chief conductor and artistic advisor from the 2028/29 season, for an initial period of five seasons.
From September 2025, composer Sir George Benjamin will be composer-in-residence with the LPO for three seasons, as successor to Tania León.
The LPO announced its 2025/26 season under the theme 'Harmony with Nature', with collaboration with environmental organizations and a program running from September 2025 to April 2026.
In January 2025, the LPO officially announced the appointment of Sir George Benjamin as new composer-in-residence.
