Kristina Blaumane

London Philharmonic Orchestra

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra based at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. In summer months the Orchestra is Resident at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The London Philharmonic Orchestra is recognised as one of the world's great orchestras, and following Sir Thomas Beecham's founding tenure the ensemble's Principal Conductorship has been passed from one celebrated musician to another. The current Principal Conductor is Edward Gardner and Karina Canellakis is Principal Guest Conductor. In addition to its concert series in London, Brighton and Eastbourne, the Orchestra has an international touring schedule which in recent years has taken it to the USA, China, Taiwan, Dubai and across Europe. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has long been embraced by the recording, broadcasting and film industries. It enjoys strong relationships with major record labels and in 2005 began releasing live, studio and archive recordings on its own label CDs which are distributed worldwide and are also available as downloads. The Orchestra has broadcast regularly on domestic and international television and radio from both the concert hall and the opera house, and has worked extensively with both Hollywood and the UK film industries, recording soundtracks for blockbuster motion pictures including the Oscar-winning score for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and scores for Lawrence of Arabia, The Mission, East is East and In the Name of the Father. The London Philharmonic Orchestra's international reputation is matched by a steadfast and unflinching commitment to the communities of its local London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham. The Orchestra reaches thousands through its varied and extensive programme of education work, both community and school-based.