London Philharmonic Orchestra marks 20 years since the launch of its record label

Wed 30 Apr, 2025

Around the turn of the millennium, the London Philharmonic Orchestra took a bold step by launching its own in-house recording label, ensuring creative independence at a time when opportunities with major classical labels were dwindling. Since its debut in 2005 with four recordings – including Vladimir Jurowski’s acclaimed interpretations of Rachmaninov’s Isle of the Dead and Symphonic Dances – the label has grown into a catalogue of over 115 releases that highlights the Orchestra’s evolving artistry, innovation, and adventurous musical ambitions.

The LPO Label offers both fresh takes on classical repertoire and a strong commitment to contemporary music, premiering works by LPO Composers-in-Residence such as Mark-Anthony Turnage, Julian Anderson and Brett Dean. The label also explores the Orchestra’s rich recording archive and has revived under-represented British musical voices like Michael Tippett. His opera The Midsummer Marriage saw its first new recording in over 50 years – earning the label a Gramophone Award. That landmark performance, recorded live in September 2021 during Edward Gardner’s debut as LPO Principal Conductor, also marked the Orchestra’s post-pandemic return to full-scale performance.

Reflecting on the label’s journey, Gardner said: ‘It’s wonderful to be part of such a significant milestone. Rachmaninov’s The Bells & Symphonic Dances is the perfect opening chapter to a year of anniversary releases. These works are not only core to our repertoire, but also showcase the brilliance and breadth of this Orchestra. I’m especially thrilled we can offer the Rachmaninov release on LP – a nod to tradition, and with the Atmos mix, an eye on the future.’

 

Summer releases – The LPO Label will release an album every two weeks starting Friday 9 May 2025:

• Friday 9 May – Rachmaninov: The Bells & Symphonic Dances (LPO-0132)
  Twenty years on, Symphonic Dances returns – this time under Edward Gardner, paired with The Bells in its LPO Label debut. This emotionally rich performance is available on CD, digital download, streaming (including Dolby Atmos), and the second-ever LP release from the Label; a double LP of these two powerful works.
• Friday 6 June – Edward Gardner conducts Dvořák & Schumann (LPO-0133)
  Gardner leads a passionate pairing of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2. With roots tracing back to Gardner’s 2003 debut, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 has become a signature for the LPO, and this recording showcases the full expressive force of the Orchestra.
• Friday 20 June – Edward Gardner conducts Britten (LPO-0134)
  A world-first release featuring Gardner’s own selections from The Prince of the Pagodas and Robin Holloway’s orchestration of Winter Words with tenor Nicky Spence. The disc opens with Britten’s orchestral masterpiece Sinfonia da Requiem to complete a vivid, narrative-driven collection.
• Friday 4 July – Tania León: Horizons, Raíces (Origins), Stride, Pasajes (LPO-0135)
  A vibrant celebration of Tania León’s tenure as LPO Composer-in-Residence, featuring four of her works – including the world premiere of Raíces (Origins), an LPO commission released fittingly on American Independence Day.

Later this year – Autumn 2025 brings major highlights with recordings featuring Conductor Emeritus Vladimir Jurowski, the first full release with Principal Guest Conductor Karina Canellakis (more details to come) and a landmark recording of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, conducted by Edward Gardner and featuring a standout cast – Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton and James Platt.

More details for further anniversary releases will follow.

The Label’s 20th anniversary also heralds the launch of a new direct-to-consumer offering giving listeners access to the entire LPO Label catalogue curated by the LPO in one place for the first time, and an opportunity for the Orchestra to connect and foster a closer relationship with their audience.
lpo.ochre.store

In an exciting partnership with Apple Music Classical, select recordings will feature exclusive Listening Guides, offering real-time insights and expert commentary synched to the music. Launch titles include Holst’s The Planets and Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, with more to come.