BBC Concert Orchestra Named as First Associate Orchestra at Alexandra Palace

The partnership will provide the orchestra with a concert and rehearsal venue, as well as expanding outreach offerings

The BBC Concert Orchestra has been given the title of Associate Orchestra at Alexandra Palace, a venue in North London. The partnership honors ongoing relationship between the two organizations, as well as the heritage of BBC broadcasting at the Palace, which began with the first public television transmission in 1936.

As a result of the partnership, Alexandra Palace will play host to the live radio concert program Friday Night is Music Night, in which the BBC Concert Orchestra performs light music — as well as music from film, television, and theater.

Forthcoming concerts include Paris in the Jazz Age with violinist and conductor Fiona Monbet and clarinettist Giacomo Smith on 30 May, as well as a concert celebrating the life and career of Dame Julie Andrews.

This venue will also allow the BBC to expand its outreach offerings, and the orchestra will come on board for Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning program, which provides education opportunities for local communities.

"It’s an absolute honor to be the first ever Associate Orchestra at Alexandra Palace and to continue the longstanding relationship the BBC has with the venue," said Matthew Swann, Director of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

"As the regular London host of Friday Night is Music Night, I look forward to welcoming audiences at Ally Pally and continuing to bring the very best orchestral music to audiences however they choose to join us, whether in the theater or listening on BBC Radio 3. We will continue to take classical programming to venues across the UK and maintain performances at London’s Southbank Centre with Unclassified Live, including at the Multitude Festival."

"We’re thrilled that the BBC Concert Orchestra is the first Associate Orchestra in our 150 years," said Emma Dagnes OBE, Alexandra Palace CEO. "Their continued excellence in bringing performances to music lovers all over the world makes them an ideal partner for this moment of Ally Pally history."

"The Palace is bursting with live entertainment, with hundreds of renowned artists performing on our stages each year, but the regular presence of the Orchestra is something new, and will unlock exciting creative opportunities. The partnership is the realization of a long-term ambition – part of our goal to bring great entertainment and culture to all – and continues the ground-breaking relationship between ourselves and the BBC. We can’t wait to welcome the Orchestra and all their team to the Palace."