Discover the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

For more than seven decades the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been at the forefront of music-making in the UK and internationally. Discover the breadth of the Orchestra's performance activities through this interactive exhibit.

Pinchas Zukerman Conducts the RPO (2014-06) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Bill HiskettRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Cadogan Hall

The Orchestra's London home is in Cadogan Hall, in the heart of Chelsea, where the RPO have been Resident Orchestra since 2004. The venue is famous for its excellent acoustic and intimate atmosphere, making it one of London's most unique concert experiences.     

Here's the hall viewed from Sloane Terrace on a grey London afternoon.

Alexander Shelley Conducts the RPO (2015-11) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Nick RutterRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley's themed concerts are a staple of our Cadogan season. Past highlights have included 'Symphonic Soundscapes' and 'Myths and Fairytales'.

Pinchas Zukerman Conducts the RPO (2014-06) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Bill HiskettRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Phenomenal violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman (Principal Guest Conductor) plays host to the RPO's biennial Summer Music Festival: an exceptional series of orchestral and chamber concerts.

Piano Concerto in Cadogan Hall (2015-11) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Nick RutterRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Hall also hosts some of the world's most esteemed soloists, including Jennifer Pike, Mark Bebbington, Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, and the RPO's first Artist-in-Residence, Esther Yoo.

RPO in Cadogan Hall (2015-11) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Nick RutterRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Orchestra Outside the Royal Albert Hall (2017-08-17) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chris ChristodoulouRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall, one of London's most iconic venues, is home to the RPO's biggest and most spectacular concerts.

Explore the outside of the Hall, before heading into the main auditorium in the next slide...

With its enormous organ, distinctive ceiling 'mushrooms', and row after row of box seats, the auditorium is one of the UK's most impressive venues.

John Rutter's Christmas Celebration (2013-12-12) by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

The auditorium is even more impressive at full capacity! Here we can see the RPO's annual Christmas concert with choral composer, John Rutter.

Symphonic Rock in the Royal Albert Hall (2012-04-20) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Bill HiskettRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Albert Hall also hosts the RPO's ABBAphonic, Symphonic Queen and new Symphonic Pop Concerts, in which we present popular music with a symphonic twist, alongside dazzling light shows.

Symphonic Star Wars (2017-10-29) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Pecheur FilmsRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Recently, the Hall has hosted the RPO's Film and Video Game music concerts - here are a few clips from the immensely popular Symphonic Star Wars.

RPO Brass Section in the Royal Festival Hall (15-01-27) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Nick RutterRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Royal Festival Hall

The Orchestra's most distinguished work takes place in the Royal Festival Hall, based in London's Southbank Centre, alongside the River Thames.

Royal Festival Hall by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Festival Hall as seen from the River Thames.

Explore Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall's 2,900 seat auditorium from the inside.

The RPO Outside London's Royal Festival Hall (02-01) by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Orchestra has enjoyed a long relationship with this landmark venue, as shown by this archive shot from 2001.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the Royal Festival Hall (15-01-27) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Nick RutterRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

In our 2018-19 Season, the RPO will be performing with the highest calibre of international artists, including Rafael Payare, Vasily Petrenko, Lise de la Salle and Eric Whitacre.

UK Residencies by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

Regional Concerts

Outside of London, the RPO also delivers a full concert schedule serving communities across the UK. Our Principal Regional Residencies are in Cambridge, Crawley, Hull, Lowestoft, Northampton, Reading and Scunthorpe.  

RPO Truck in Switzerland by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

International Touring

The RPO's work is not limited to the UK! Recent engagements include concerts at the festivals of Turin, Lucerne and Granada, an extensive tour of the USA, and visits to central Europe and the Far East, including South Korea and China.

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