News and Stories
Read our latest news, get to know our artists and explore music in more depth, through articles, interviews, videos and more.
Latest Stories
From the Archive: Pierre Monteux, Principal Conductor 1961–64
Learn more about the LSO’s Principal Conductor between 1961–64, Pierre Monteux
Who was Anton Bruckner, composer of 'cathedrals of sound'?
Explore the music, life and legacy of Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, whose symphonies came to be dubbed ‘cathedrals of sound’.
Mantawoman: The Versatility of the Yangqin
Mantawoman, the alter ego of yangqin extraordinaire Reylon Yount, opens up about the instrument’s position on the musical outskirts, and the role it has played in her personal transformation.
Welcome to the LSO's newest Leaders
Get to know two of our newest Members.
Sir Simon Rattle, LSO Music Director 2017–23
Our musicians share some of their favourite moments of Sir Simon Rattle’s tenure as LSO Music Director (2017–23), from conga lines in the Barbican Hall to performing at Tate Modern.
Betsy Jolas: These Beautiful Years
An interview with 96-year-old composer Betsy Jolas before the premiere of her new work for the LSO and Sir Simon Rattle, Ces belles années… .
Latest News
Introducing Thomas Beer, our new viola player
This month we welcome a new member to the Orchestra, Thomas Beer, who joins the Viola section.
Introducing Stefano Mengoli, our new first violin
This month we welcome a new member to the Orchestra, Stefano Mengoli, who joins the First Violin section.
Two Panufnik Composers Awarded Commissions
Two early-career composers commissioned through the LSO Panufnik Composers Scheme to write for the LSO in 2024/25.
Explore 2023/24
Our conductors introduce the programmes they’ve curated in the 2023/24 season.
Sir Antonio Pappano – the 2023/24 Season
‘I worked with the LSO for the first time in 1996, at Abbey Road Studios, to record an opera. I’ll never forget the first down beat, when the orchestra just exploded with activity and panache and derring-do. It felt like I’d gotten into a Ferrari and pushed the gas pedal down!’
Sir Simon Rattle – the 2023/24 Season
‘This is music that suits the LSO so perfectly, with their virtuosity, passion, and their sense of humour and refinement.’
Gianandrea Noseda – the 2023/24 Season
‘What is crucially important when we perform is to be able to tell a story, to be narrators,’ says Gianandrea Noseda, LSO Principal Guest Conductor. He introduces his 2023/24 season, including music by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Carl Orff.
François-Xavier Roth – the 2023/24 Season
‘As a conductor, I always want to have contact with new music. Reading and studying a new score is like musical fitness – it’s stimulating for my eyes, for my brain, and for my music-making, and it affects my reading of the older music.’
Michael Tilson Thomas – the 2023/24 Season
Conductor Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas’ relationship with the LSO spans over five decades – and it is a partnership that grows more rewarding every time he returns. ‘The LSO has been part of my life since I was 24 years old,’ he says. ‘The spirit of the orchestra remains much the same today.’
Barbara Hannigan – the 2023/24 Season
Barbara Hannigan, LSO Associate Artist, opens the 2023/24 Season at the Barbican with four electrifying concerts. Here, she introduces her concerts.
André J Thomas – Gospel Explosion
‘Gospel music does not apologise. It comes straight out, fiery and quick. It’s like lighting a firecracker – you start with a sizzle and that’s it.’
YouTube Sundays
Enjoy great music for free, with excerpts and full works released on Sundays on our YouTube channel.
