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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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BBC Orchestras
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The BBC Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1930 and was rapidly brought to a high standard of adventure and excellence by its first chief conductor, Adrian *Boult; in his long tenure (1931–50) he established the tradition of inviting distinguished contemporary composers to play or conduct their own work. The orchestra's main annual showcase is the *Proms, during which its many performances invariably include the last night.
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The original name in 1930 was simply the BBC Orchestra, and the 114 musicians were expected to provide smaller groups for theatre or palm court music. But early success led to a need for specialization, and in 1931 the BBC Theatre Orchestra was created to concentrate on light music. It survives as the BBC Concert Orchestra – part of Radio 2, and playing in the Golders Green Hippodrome when at home in London.
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A further development, also in the 1930s, was regional BBC orchestras. The BBC Northern Orchestra was formed in Manchester in 1934. Known since 1982 as the BBC Philharmonic (with a permanent home since 1980 in Manchester's Studio 7 Concert Hall), it has built a strong reputation for its performances of 20C British music. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1935; it was launched in Edinburgh and has been a regular feature of the Edinburgh Festival, but it is based in the BBC's Glasgow headquarters. The BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, based in Cardiff, was a general broadcasting orchestra until promoted to its present status during the 1980s; it is now recognized as Wales's national symphony orchestra.
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