BBC Concert Orchestra
Principal Conductor - Barry Wordsworth

The BBC Concert Orchestra was formed in 1952. It has a wide and flexible repertoire, ranging from classical works and grand opera to light music and popular songs.

Its Principal Conductors over the years have been Gilbert Vinter, Sir Charles Mackerras, Vilem Tausky, Marcus Dods, Ashley Lawerance and, since 1989 Barry Wordsworth. The Orchestra's permanent home is the Hippodrome in Golders Green, North London, which serves as a base for the majority of its music-making.

BBC Radio 2 has close links with the Orchestra which is featured on the weekly programme Friday Night is Music Night and in Radio 2's series of musicals.

The Orchestra also makes frequent broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and has appeared on BBC Television in two series of the acclaimed Showstoppers and in Viva la Diva with soprano Lesley Garrett.

The Orchestra appears annually at the Proms, makes regular visits to the Royal Festival, Royal Albert and Barbican Halls and performs throughout the UK. It also tours abroad and has appeared in Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hong Kong and the United States.

The BBC Concert Orchestra has made many recordings. Among its recent releases are two 'Showcase' recordings - The Classics and The Musicals, 100 Years of the Movies, Maurice Jarre at the Royal Festival Hall, Love and Romance and Opera Gala Live.

BBC Concert Orchestra on Guild Music

• GMCD 7136 Master Works II - French Music for Organ & Orchestra

Page revised 03.09.2000