Beethoven, Otto Klemperer, Philharmonia – Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 'Choral' (2LP, Reissue, Remastered, Vinyl) 271592

London-based orchestra founded in 1945 by Walter Legge. Sir Thomas Beecham conducted the orchestra's opening concert on 27 October 1945. In March 1964, Legge announced the orchestra’s disbanding. The players rallied, took matters into their own hands, elected a governing body, added 'New' to the title (see New Philharmonia Orchestra) and carried on, first up with Otto Klemperer conducting Ludwig van Beethoven’s "Choral Symphony". The 'New' was dropped in 1977, the orchestra’s third era celebrated with a Beethoven concert under Riccardo Muti and pianist Sviatoslav Richter. Since 1995 it has been based in the Royal Festival Hall.