From Thursday 11 December 2014, English National Ballet’s Orchestra will be known under its new name, English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Since its inception in 1950, English National Ballet has been committed to achieving the highest musical quality as well as dance standards. From the very beginning, the English National Ballet Philharmonic has played a vital part of the Company’s live performances in the UK.
English National Ballet Philharmonic's Music Director is Gavin Sutherland who was appointed to the role in 2008.
In his time at English National Ballet, Sutherland has arranged and orchestrated Liam Scarlett's No Man's Land set to Liszt, Wayne Eagling’s Men Y Men set to Rachmaninoff, Angelina’s Star Performance and Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition, My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty, My First Ballet: Cinderella and My First Ballet: Coppélia.
He has recorded over 80 CDs and is much in demand nationally and internationally as a conductor. In 2009 he was appointed Chairman of the Light Music Society.
Sutherland said: “the creation of the English National Ballet Philharmonic marks the start of a new era in the history of music in the Company. The musical standards are high and always rising, and an assured identity will allow us to relate more to audiences and to any enthusiasts of the skill of orchestral ballet music in performance."
English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making.
Alongside the traditional national touring schedule, notable events include frequent gala performances at the London Coliseum and the Royal Opera House, accompanying visiting ballet companies, appearances in concert (including the Bath and City of London Festivals) and, most recently, providing the music for the Royal Academy of Dance’s children’s ballet syllabus grades.
They also play a significant part in the Engagement Department’s outreach work, taking a taste of the music of ballet to audiences old and new.