National Symphony Orchestra (UK)
| Company type | Orchestra |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1941 |
| Founder | Sidney Beer |
| Defunct | 1946 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Concert performances, recordings, film scores |
The National Symphony Orchestra originated in 1941 under the leadership of conductor Sidney Beer (1899–1971), initially named the Sidney Beer Orchestra. The ensemble thrived throughout the Second World War before ceasing operations in 1946.
Sidney Beer Orchestra
Sidney Beer, who began as a prosperous amateur musician and racehorse proprietor, pursued conducting studies with Malcolm Sargent at the Royal College of Music in 1931. His professional conducting debut occurred in 1932 with the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, followed by engagements with the Vienna Philharmonic. Upon his return to London in 1940, he established an orchestra dedicated to employing top-tier professional musicians and allowing generous rehearsal periods.
Frederick Laurence was originally appointed as orchestral manager but passed away prior to assuming the role; Victor Olof subsequently took over the position. The orchestra's inaugural performances were held on Saturday afternoons in early 1941, initially at the Savoy Theatre and later at Queen's Hall, which was destroyed during a bombing raid in May.
National Symphony Orchestra
By 1942, the ensemble had grown and was rebranded as the National Symphony Orchestra, offering Sunday concerts at the Phoenix Theatre. On 19 January 1943, it appeared at Royal Albert Hall featuring pianist Cyril Smith.
The orchestra made recordings for Decca Records, including works such as Delius's Irmelin Prelude (1944) and Bliss's 'Baraza' from Men of Two Worlds (1946) with pianist Eileen Joyce. It also contributed to film scores like The Rake's Progress (1945), Caesar and Cleopatra (1945), and The Magic Bow (1946). In 1946, the orchestra toured Switzerland and France, performing Strauss's Don Juan in the presence of the composer.
Sidney Beer secured financing to recruit distinguished musicians including Dennis Brain, Norman Del Mar, Léon Goossens, and Reginald Kell. The wind section featured young talents drawn from the RAF Central Band. Following its dissolution in 1946, numerous members joined prominent ensembles such as the Royal Philharmonic and Philharmonia orchestras.
The success achieved during wartime by this orchestra served as an inspiration for other independent groups, notably Alec Sherman's New London Orchestra founded in 1941.