Trivia

The LSO was the first British orchestra to visit the US (1912), Japan (1963), and South Africa (1956).

When the Orchestra toured to the US in 1912 it originally had tickets for the Titanic. An accident in testing one of her sister ships meant the Titanic's maiden voyage was delayed, leaving the LSO to choose between delaying the start of its tour or leave on the replacement (but less newsworthy) Baltic. Choosing the latter because of the scheduling of concerts, they heard the news of the disaster involving Titanic when they reached St Louis.

The LSO was formed in 1904 when 50 members of the Queen's Hall Orchestra rebelled against Sir Henry Wood's edict that 'no deputies' be sent to rehearsals and concerts. The Orchestra is self-governing and is now made up of nearly a hundred talented players who also perform regularly as soloists and in chamber groups.

On November 12 1931, Abbey Road Studios officially opened its doors with Sir Edward Elgar conducting the London Symphony Orchestra playing Land of Hope and Glory.