Horsley

Founded just after the war by Thomas Beecham as the instrument of his total artistic freedom, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has become one of the most prominent advocates of British music and gained the nickname of “Britain’s national orchestra”. This collection highlights the major romantic and modern composers of the country, including the lesser known but still fascinating Granville Bantock, Arthur Sullivan, Henry Wood and Arthur Bliss. Many top-class conductors have collaborated with the orchestra along its rich history, here represented by Thomas Beecham, André Previn, Charles Groves, Charles Mackerras, Malcolm Sargent and Andrew Litton. Soloists featured include Jacqueline du Pré, Christopher Parkening, Nigel Kennedy and John Ogdon.