Classic FM goes Live with the LA Phil

The Los Angeles Philharmonic, together with Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, is launching its first international radio broadcast partnership with Classic FM.

The agreement includes a new and exclusive 14-part concert series – “Live with the LA Phil” – to be broadcast on Classic FM every Friday evening

The new show will air from 8pm to 10pm beginning Friday, June 1, 2012. All the concerts were recorded live at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles (except the Mahler Symphony no. 8 concert, which was recorded in Caracas, Venezuela) and performed by the LA Philharmonic Orchestra, which will become Classic FM’s Orchestra in America.

Over the last few years, Classic FM has exclusively broadcast a range of UK concerts conducted by Maestro Dudamel. This summer, in addition to his work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the station will also be broadcasting the conductor’s two concerts with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra at London’s Royal Festival Hall in June. Dudamel and the LA Phil return in person for the orchestra’s first International Associate Residency with London’s Barbican Centre in the spring of 2013.

“I am so happy to once again be collaborating with Classic FM”, said Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel. “The new signature place for the broadcasts of the Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts builds on my ongoing relationship with Classic FM, which over the years, has broadcast my concerts, recordings and interviews from around the globe. This new partnership is an important step to bring our music from Los Angeles to more parts of the world and increase our global reach.”

“We are delighted to partner with Classic FM in bringing the music of the Los Angeles Philharmonic to an international audience,” said Los Angeles Philharmonic President and CEO Deborah Borda. “Becoming Classic FM’s Orchestra in America and their first international partner is an honor. We look forward to connecting with their extensive listenership, which is vital for us as messengers of classical music.”

Global Radio’s Director of Broadcasting Richard Park said: “We are thrilled to announce our first ever international partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Classic FM’s Orchestra in America and to introduce their outstanding music-making to our millions of listeners in this, our 20th birthday year.”

Since 2000, Classic FM has developed official artistic partnerships with a range of UK ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra (Classic FM’s Orchestra in the City of London), the Philharmonia (Classic FM’s Orchestra on Tour) and The Sixteen (The Voices of Classic FM). The announcement of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Classic FM’s Orchestra in America heralds the first overseas partnership of this nature in the radio station’s 20-year history.