At home in Salford and enjoying worldwide recognition, the BBC Philharmonic started life as the 2ZY Orchestra, in Manchester, in 1922. Ever since, its distinctive energy and character have helped to make the Greater Manchester region both a destination and a hub for world-class talent in orchestral music. Giving around thirty-five free concerts a year at its MediaCityUK studio, in Salford, and a series of concerts at The Bridgewater Hall, in Manchester, the orchestra broadcasts concerts from venues across the North of England, annually at the BBC Proms, and from its international tours. Its performances are broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and available on BBC Sounds. It also records regularly for Chandos Records and since its first release, in 1991, has produced a catalogue of more than 300 discs and digital downloads. It enjoys working with a range of artists, conductors, and composers: a growing family that includes both familiar faces and exciting new talent.

The French conductor Ludovic Morlot is the orchestra’s Associate Artist, and in May 2021 the young British composer and rising star Tom Coult was appointed Composer in Association. The Finnish maestro John Storgårds joined the BBC Philharmonic as Principal Guest Conductor in 2012, becoming its Chief Guest Conductor in 2018 and Chief Conductor in 2022. Championing new and neglected music, the orchestra has recently given world premières of works by Tom Coult, David Matthews, Emily Howard, and Outi Tarkiainen, the scope of its output extending far beyond standard repertoire. In 2020 it entered the UK Top 40 charts with Four Notes: Paul’s Tune and, in February 2022, released The Musical Story of the Gingerbread Man – a unique musical re-telling of the classic children’s tale, narrated by Nihal Arthanayake, of BBC Radio 5 Live. Through all its activities, the BBC Philharmonic is bringing life-changing music experiences to audiences across Greater Manchester, the North of England, the UK, and around the world. www.bbc.co.uk / philharmonic