Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a concert orchestra based in the United Kingdom, oftentimes referred to as "Britain's national orchestra." Established in 1948 by world-renowned British conductor and music director Sir Thomas Beecham, whose drive in forming the prestigious ensemble was to attract Britain's top musical talent in order to showcase the country's often historically subdued musical prowess. Beecham's experiment not only paid off in terms of raising the world's awareness of Britain's musical talent, but has gone on to become one of the world's most well-respected and prestigious national orchestras. Following Beecham's death, the RPO has been led by a succession of extremely talented music directors, of whom Andre Previn, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Antal Dorati stand as perhaps the most renowned thus far.