The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham, with the aim of creating a world-class ensemble whose emphasis on quality combined with flexibility would attract the best players in the country. In 1963 the Orchestra chose to become a self-governing body, its members incorporating themselves into a limited liability company.

In 1966, Her Majesty The Queen conferred the Royal title on the Orchestra. Today, it remains committed to bringing exciting music-making of the highest quality to the widest possible audience.

While the core of the Orchestra's concert-giving activity has been its performances in London, it tours regularly throughout the country and its role as Britain's national orchestra is reflected in its ever-increasing range of activities. The Orchestra has established a successful residency at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall currently reflected by a series of ten concerts linked to an imaginative community and education programme. In 1995 it established its London home at the Royal Albert Hall with a successful series of concerts. The Orchestra continues with its extensive touring schedule, playing music of the highest quality across all five continents.

The Orchestra has established a strong reputation for its innovative and high quality programme of community and education work. This enhances its concert activity throughout the United Kingdom and, increasingly abroad.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra continues to be closely associated with some of the world's leading conductors and soloists. Since 1975 its Music Directors have included Antal Dorati, Walter Weller, Andre Previn and, more recently, Vladimir Ashkenazy. Daniele Gatti, Music Director Designate of the Teatro Comunale in Bologna and Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, has been Music Director since September 1996.

One of the Orchestra's current projects is 'The Royal Philharmonic Collection' with Tring International PLC, to record a series of one hundred and twenty-five competitively-priced compact discs and cassettes, featuring mainstream classical repertoire. It is believed to be the largest-ever contract between one orchestra and a recording company. The Orchestra has also formed and developed a special relationship with Classic FM, now Britain's largest commercial radio station.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a registered charity.