History
Foundation
The Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra was established in 1972 by Joseph Pilbury with a clear purpose: to enable accomplished amateur musicians to perform ambitious, large-scale compositions that few amateur orchestras attempt. From the outset, the WPO set itself apart by tackling the most demanding works in the symphonic repertoire.
Over more than five decades the orchestra has grown into one of London’s leading amateur orchestras, drawing musicians from across the region.
Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Orchestra founded by Joseph Pilbury |
| 1994 | Britten’s War Requiem at the Royal Albert Hall with the Combined Hertfordshire Choirs |
| 1998 | Silver Anniversary season: Bartók’s Duke Bluebeard’s Castle (soloists Sue Bickley and Peter Sidhom) and commissioned premiere of Howard Jones’ Thamesside Variations |
| 1999 | Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand at the Royal Albert Hall with the Combined Hertfordshire Choirs |
| 2002 | 30th Anniversary season: Bernstein’s SongFest for six soloists and large orchestra |
| 2003 | Verdi Requiem at the Royal Albert Hall with the Combined Hertfordshire Choirs |
| 2007 | Berlioz’ Grande Messe des Morts at the Royal Albert Hall with the Combined Hertfordshire Choirs |
| 2012 | Celebrated the centenary of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor |
| 2013 | Marked the centenary of George Lloyd |
| 2017 | Orchestra featured in a BT Sport advertisement performing the UEFA Champions League Anthem |
| 2018 | Premiered David Hackbridge Johnson’s 9th Symphony; celebrated Leonard Bernstein’s centenary |
| 2019 | Performed Percy Sherwood’s Concerto for violin & cello |
| 2022 | 50th anniversary season: Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, London premiere of Philip White’s Cello Concerto, and only the third performance (second in London) of Ruth Gipps’ 5th Symphony |
| 2025 | Elgar's The Kingdom with Islington Choral Society |
Recordings and Broadcasting
The WPO has released four CDs of film music and has been featured in broadcast media. In 2017 the orchestra appeared in a BT Sport television advertisement performing the UEFA Champions League Anthem.
International Tours
The orchestra has toured extensively, performing in Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, France, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Nova Scotia.
Community
Each year the WPO presents a “Party in the Park” open-air concert at Langton’s Lakeside, Havering, regularly attracting audiences of over 3,000 people.