This orchestra was founded by the classical record producer for EMI, Walter Legge, in 1945 in London, England and is also known by the name “Philharmonia”. It had originally meant to be a recording orchestra for EMI and after Sir Thomas Beecham had been the conductor for its debut concert, he was asked to leave as he had tried to change its name and take over control of it.
It has played host to many conductors including Wilhelm Furtwangler, Arturo Toscanini, Lorin Maazel, Riccardo Muti, Christoph von Dohnanyi, the current holder Essa-Pekka Salonen, Otto Klemperer, who is now the honorary president, and Herbert von Karajan is acclaimed for having built it into one of the “finest ensembles in the world.”
The orchestra became self-governing in 1964 and, comprising over 80 members, they have their home in the Royal Festival Hall as well as being the resident orchestra for the Bedford Corn Exchange and De Montfort Hall in Leicester.
Appearing on film soundtracks such as Oliver Twist and Henry V and chart topping computer games, and after making over 1000 recordings they are one of the most recorded orchestras in the world.
Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni recordings
Concerto No. 3 in B Flat for Oboe, Strings and Continuo, Op. 7
NIM 5188 (CD: Cimarosa’s Oboe Concerto and Concerti by Albinoni, et al)
Conductor – Simon Wright
Oboe – John Anderson
Concerto a Cinque No. 6 for Oboe in D Major, Op. 7
Nimbus 7027 (CD: Cimarosa’s Oboe Concerto and Concerti by Albinoni, et al)
Conductor – Simon Wright
Oboe – John Anderson
Leroy Anderson recordings
Plink, Plank, Plunk! (CD: Sir Charles’ Precious Music Box-I)
Denon CO-73534
Conductor – Sir Charles Groves
Sources:
- http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/thephilharmoniaorchestra/orchestra/orchestrabiography/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philharmonia_Orchestra
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/philharmonia-orchestra-mn0001655886/biography
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/454293-Philharmonia-Orchestra