Far more than just the resident orchestra of the British Broadcasting Corporation, this esteemed body of musicians has been a champion of new British composition throughout its history. Adrian Boult was the first conductor when it was formed in 1930 and helped to build their reputation for commissioning new work.
The BBC Symphony has incredible access thanks to Radio 3 and the license fee - they open and close the Proms, and tour the world recording new work. The orchestra has had a string of world-famous conductors and collaborators, and more importantly, has commissioned and supported Britain's most esteemed composers, giving a first airing to works by Harrison Birtwhistle, Pierre Boulez and John Taverner.
An esteemed orchestra which plays a great deal of recording sessions and works behind closed doors for the BBC - when they come out in public, expect a bravura performance.