BBC orchestras

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) sponsors a number of orchestras. They are:

BBC Symphony Orchestra founded in 1930 and based in London. Andrew Davis became its chief conductor in 1989. The orchestra specializes in new music; it has a regular concert programme at the Royal Festival Hall and provides the backbone to the annual season of the BBC Proms.

BBC Philharmonic founded as the BBC Northern Orchestra in 1933, taking its present name in 1982. It is based in Manchester, performing many of its concerts in the Bridgewater Hall and known especially for its Blue Peter Family Concerts. Its principal conductor is Yan Pascal Tortelier.

BBC Concert Orchestra founded in 1952 and based in London. Its repertoire ranges from classical works to popular songs and it makes frequent broadcasts on BBC Radio 2, Radio 3, and BBC Television. Barry Wordsworth became its principal conductor in 1989.

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra founded in 1935 and based in Glasgow. Its principal conductor is Osmo Vanska.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales based in Cardiff. Its musical director is Mark Wigglesworth.