Modern Symphony Orchestra
| Company type | Amateur orchestra |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1931 |
| Founder | Arthur Dennington |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
Area served | London, United Kingdom |
The Modern Symphony Orchestra—also occasionally referred to as the Northern Polytechnic Modern Symphony Orchestra—was an amateur ensemble based in London that operated between 1931 and 1983.
History
Established in 1931 by Arthur Dennington, the orchestra emerged from the amalgamation of several smaller amateur groups located in North London. Its designation highlighted a commitment to performing "modern" compositions by contemporary and lesser-known composers, while also fostering opportunities for young solo performers.
The orchestra's initial concerts took place at Islington Town Hall, but due to unsatisfactory acoustics, it relocated to the Polytechnic Theatre on Holloway Road. In 1938, it gained official affiliation with the Polytechnic Music Trades School, becoming part of the Northern Polytechnic Institute. Although financial support was not provided by the polytechnic, it offered rehearsal and concert venues.
Remaining faithful to its founding principles, the orchestra consistently programmed both contemporary and seldom-heard repertoire alongside standard classical works. This programming philosophy led to numerous world and British premieres within a few years of its inception. Among these were Ruth Gipps' Oboe Concerto in 1942 and the British debut of Stravinsky's revised 1947 version of Petrushka. Additional English premieres included compositions by Roussel, Tibor Harsanyi, Alban Berg, and Frank Martin.
By the 1940s, the orchestra had significantly enhanced its stature. Sir Adrian Boult commended its ambition and quality of performance in 1949, later serving as its president for twenty years. A 1952 review in The Times praised Dennington’s leadership and the orchestra’s pioneering approach, asserting that its concerts often surpassed those of many professional London ensembles. After World War II, public funding enabled the inclusion of professional musicians to tackle challenging modern works.
The roster of soloists featured both emerging artists and established names. The 1949–50 season showcased talents such as Frederick Grinke and Norman Walker, who lent their support to the orchestra’s endeavors. Other distinguished soloists included Jean Pougnet, Sophie Wyss, Florence Hooton, Dennis Brain, Tessa Robbins, and Eileen Broster. Future luminaries like Joyce Hatto (1955) and Howard Shelley (1971–72) also appeared as soloists. Additionally, the orchestra produced recordings of overtures by Auber and Cherubini for the Rare Recorded Editions label.
Partly inspired by this ensemble’s example, Ruth Gipps founded the One Rehearsal Orchestra in 1955—later renamed the London Repertoire Orchestra—which remains active today.
Notable performances
- Herbert Murrill: Concerto for cello and orchestra (first public performance, 09 March 1938, featuring Anthony Pini on cello)
- Harold Brazier: Theme and variations for orchestra (world premiere, 31 January 1942, conducted by the composer)
- Ruth Gipps: Oboe concerto (world premiere, 13 June 1942, with Marion Brough as oboist)
- Joyce Chapman: Nocturne for orchestra (world premiere, 16 October 1943)
- Ruth Gipps: Violin concerto (world premiere, 05 February 1944; soloist Ernest Gipps; conductor Arthur Dennington)
- Tibor Harsányi: La joie de vivre (English premiere, 19 February 1949)
- Lila Lalauni: Piano concerto No.1 (English premiere, 25 May 1949; composer performing as soloist)
- Frank Martin: Symphonie concertante (English premiere, 01 November 1952)
- Jurriaan Andriessen: Concertino for piano and orchestra (English premiere, 21 March 1953)
- Alan Bush: Piano concerto (first public performance, 15 May 1954)
- Kenneth Pakeman: Symphonic poem "Perelandra" (world premiere, 26 June 1954)
- Roberto Gerhard: Cancionero de Pedrell (English premiere, 23 October 1954; featuring soprano Sophie Wyss)
- Hugo Godron: Concert-suite for piano and strings (English premiere, 23 October 1954; with pianist Ria Groot)
- Dimitri Shostakovich: Holiday Overture (English premiere, 25 May 1957)
- Alan Rawsthorne: Nursery Songs (first London performance, 26 April 1958; featuring soprano Sophie Wyss)
- Stephen Dodgson: Guitar concerto (English premiere, 04 July 1959; with guitarist John Williams)
- Carl Nielsen: Seven Pieces from incidental music to "Aladdin" (English premiere, 04 July 1959)
- Geoffrey Bush: Concertino for piano and orchestra (first public performance, 11 February 1961; pianist Eric Parkin)