The New Professionals Orchestra
Richard Baker, Patron
Since its inception in 1999, this versatile
orchestra has become renowned for juxtaposing
rarely performed 20th-century works with fresh
interpretations of traditional repertoire. The
ensemble has been critically acclaimed for
innovative programming and 'breathtaking and
invigorating' performances as well as 'fresh
interpretations of familiar works', and was
recently hailed by The Strad as
'definitely an ensemble to look out for'.
The NPO features some of
London's most distinguished young artists
at the start of their careers. Most of
their artists play regularly with major
UK orchestras and many are pursuing
already successful solo careers. For
biographies of the players, please click
here.
The NPO has made several appearances at
the South Bank Centre, at a sold-out
performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall
and twice on the FRESH series at
the Purcell Room. Additionally, they have
performed as guest at the Richmond
Concert Society, Mayfair Concerts and the
City Music Society. The orchestra
launched a new orchestral series at
Hampstead Parish Church, which has now
expanded to include concerts in the
beautiful Victorian 'Great Hall' of
University College School in Hampstead.
The NPO's debut CD, which sold out its
first pressing in 2 months after being
critically acclaimed by Ivan Hewett in
The Times, is available on the Mode
Records/ Harmonia Mundi lable. The CD, 'Lou
Harrison: For Strings'
contains previously unrecorded string
music by Lou Harrison and features the
Silk Road Tour's Pipa soloist Wu Man.An
orchestra with the personality of a
chamber ensemble, the NPO prides itself
on its musical synergy and breadth. In
contrast to the traditional concert, an
evening with the ensemble may feature
chamber music and opera alongside works
for string orchestra, wind ensemble, or
full orchestra. The NPO has experience
performing in various genres - the
premiere of their first opera production,
'Pride and Fall', sold out its entire run
at the Battersea Arts Centre's 2003 opera
festival and gained critical acclaim in
The Times and Opera Magazine.
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The
orchestra has performed many well-known and more
eclectic American works, some edited from
unpublished manuscripts, including the U.K.
concert premiere of a set of orchestral dances by
Henry Cowell, and has presented educational
outreach workshops on opera and contemporary
music around the London area.
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