One of the most celebrated radio orchestras in the world, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s distinctive energy, lightning speed, and iconic musical character has inspired audiences for over 100 years. Founded in 1922 as the 2ZY Orchestra the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra has played an essential part in shaping the Greater Manchester region into an unmissable cultural destination and a hub for world-class talent in orchestral music.

The orchestra presents a flagship series at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall as well as live concerts recorded in venues across the country, at the BBC Proms, and on tour. Whether in the concert hall, on air, on television, or streamed on BBC Sounds and iPlayer, the orchestra’s work is enjoyed by millions of listeners every year.

The orchestra’s Chief Conductor is John Storgårds, who has built a close relationship with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra over many years. Anna Clyne, one of the most celebrated living composers in the world, is its Composer in Association.

Artistic innovation has been a keen focus and recent UK and world premieres include music by Anna Appleby, Gerald Barry, Erland Cooper, Tom Coult, Sebastian Fagerlund, Emily Howard, Robert Laidlow, James Lee III, Grace-Evangeline Mason, David Matthews, Outi Tarkiainen and Anna Thorvaldsdottir.

Engagement work for children and young people continues to be a vital part of the orchestra’s work. At the end of 2023 the orchestra released Musical Storyland, a 10-part television series featuring the musicians of the orchestra, which brings famous stories from around the world to life using the power of music. This was the first time an orchestra has been commissioned to make a series of films for UK network television. To date, Musical Storyland has been streamed over five million times.

Through all its activities, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing life-changing musical experiences to audiences across Greater Manchester, the North of England, the UK and around the world.