Today, the BBC Concert Orchestra is announced as the first ever Associate Orchestra here at Alexandra Palace.
The partnership pays homage to the ongoing collaboration between the orchestra and Ally Pally. It also extends the BBC’s presence at the Palace, which began with the first public television transmission in 1936 and continued as the BBC broadcast their ground-breaking programmes from the former studios here.
The Palace will host London events for BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night, the long-running live radio concert programme where the BBC Concert Orchestra explores repertoire ranging from the golden age of light music to the best in film, TV and theatre. Upcoming Friday Night is Music Night events include Paris in the Jazz Age with Violinist and conductor Fiona Monbet and clarinettist Giacomo Smith on 30 May, and a concert celebrating the life and career of Julie Andrews on 12 September.
In addition to performances in the Palace’s award-winning Theatre and opportunities to rehearse in the venue, the partnership will expand access to orchestral music, as the BBC CO continues to work with both new and established artists. Over time, the BBC CO will provide education opportunities for local communities through Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning programme.
Matthew Swann, Director of the BBC Concert Orchestra said: “It’s an absolute honour to be the first ever Associate Orchestra at Alexandra Palace and to continue the longstanding relationship the BBC has with the venue. As the regular London host of Friday Night is Music Night, I look forward to welcoming audiences at Ally Pally and continuing to bring the very best orchestral music to audiences however they choose to join us, whether in the theatre or listening on Radio 3. We will continue to take classical programming to venues across the UK and maintain performances at London’s Southbank Centre with Unclassified Live, including at the Multitude Festival.”
Emma Dagnes OBE, Alexandra Palace CEO: “We’re thrilled that the BBC Concert Orchestra is the first Associate Orchestra in our 150 years. Their continued excellence in bringing performances to music lovers all over the world makes them an ideal partner for this moment of Ally Pally history. The Palace is bursting with live entertainment, with hundreds of renowned artists performing on our stages each year, but the regular presence of the Orchestra is something new, and will unlock exciting creative opportunities. The partnership is the realisation of a long-term ambition – part of our goal to bring great entertainment and culture to all – and continues the ground-breaking relationship between ourselves and the BBC. We can’t wait to welcome the Orchestra and all their team to the Palace.”
