New London Orchestra

New London Orchestra
Ronald Corp's London band

The New London Orchestra began in 1988, when conductor Ronald Corp decided to create an orchestra to concentrate on twentieth century works that were rarely performed in concert. The traditional emphasis by other orchestras on mainstream classical repertoire had left an unexplored niche for contemporary music, which he took advantage of. Over the years, the distinctive style that the NLO created has won a space in London’s music scene and much critical recognition. Unusually, the orchestra relies on no public subsidy of any sort.

The NLO has secured a regular place in concert halls, on disc and on radio. In addition to its distinctive programming, the orchestra has developed a reputation for well-blended sound from young performers. The NLO has produced 18 discs for Hyperion Records, including the first complete recording of Sullivan’s The Golden Legend, The Prodigal Son, and Contrabandista. The light music discs with British, other European and American light music classics are popular and are favorites on Classic FM and BBC Radio 3’s light program. The NLO has even mined the often-neglected canon of English Operetta. It is active too in experimental artistic programs, such as Matthew Bourne’s all-male ballet performances of Cinderella.

The New London Orchestra frequently attempts to tie music to education, and has been involved in projects that aid and enhance classes on maths, literature and science. The NLO also runs training workshops for the corporate world. Additionally, it works on various community outreach programs to improve lives and create a positive value to society through music. It recently signed a long-term agreement to create outreach opportunities in the London borough of Newham, where the London Olympics will be based in 2012. Community projects include Urban Voices, a project in which participants write about their own areas for use in an original composition by Ronald Corp, and the Chiswick House Project, which involved creation of an original song with three primary schools and a unique installation using spatial sound.

The New London Orchestra is also active in many UK festivals, such as the BBC Proms. Performances often focus on a musical tradition from abroad, such as Parisian music, Eastern European or the works of a particular composer.

Founder Ronald Corp maintains his close relationship with the New London Orchestra, where he is the Artistic Director. He also works with the New London Children’s Choir, London Chorus and Highgate Choral Society.