Orchestra of Royal Opera House

The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House was founded in 1946 on the reopening of the Opera House after World War II. The Orchestra plays for nearly all performances given by The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet .

Throughout its existence the orchestra has been distinguished by the number of top musicians who have joined its ranks and the outstanding roster of international conductors with whom it has played. It has been acclaimed by public and critics alike and has won many awards.

In addition to their commitment to main stage productions, members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House play an active role in smaller-scale projects including many with the Royal Opera House’s Learning and Participation Department. As part of the Royal Opera House’s longstanding commitment to reach a wider audience, the orchestra can be heard accompanying The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet for Big Screen events in the UK and cinema screenings transmitted worldwide. They also broadcast regularly on BBC Radio 3 with The Royal Opera.
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House works regularly with leading young choreographers and contemporary composers, performing in many world premieres of works commissioned by The Royal Ballet. Particular highlights have included Wayne McGregor’s Limen (to a score by Kaija Saariaho) and Infra (to a score by Max Richter), Kim Brandstrup’s Invitus Invitam (to a score by Thomas Adès based on a series of dance works by François Couperin) and Christopher Wheeldon’s full-length ballets Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Winter’s Tale, with music by Joby Talbot.