About
The musical theatre experts
The London Musical Theatre Orchestra is the world’s only professional orchestra dedicated solely to musical theatre.
Born from a desire to perform musical scores with a full, symphonic orchestra, we celebrate this remarkable genre of music with world-class musicians and singers. We are passionate about introducing audiences to the joys of a full orchestra performing a musical, and are committed to supporting young musicians as they enter the professional world.
Since LMTO’s public launch in June 2016, the orchestra has performed at iconic central London venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium, the Lyceum Theatre and Cadogan Hall, to sell-out crowds and five-star reviews.
Developing the next generation
Every time we perform, at least 15% of the orchestra is reserved for young developing professional musicians; there’s no better way of improving your skills than sitting next to the very best.
These young players have since gone on to perform in West End shows like Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and The Lion King as a direct result of LMTO’s development programme.
Find out more below.
Something’s coming
LMTO was founded by Freddie Tapner in July 2015, when he put out a call on Facebook in the hope of creating a network of musicians who were as crazy about musicals as he was.
To his complete surprise, over 250 people replied in less than 24 hours, all interested in playing musicals with a full orchestra.
Strike up the band
A few weeks later, on Sunday 13th July 2015, musicians gathered in St Silas Church and played through the score of a musical in private, just for fun. This was the first Sitz, and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra was born.
LMTO took up the position of Orchestra-in-Residence at Bishopsgate Institute in January 2016, where the Sitzes remain to this day.
Opening night
One year and 12 Sitzes later, it was time for audiences to hear what LMTO could do.
In 2016, LMTO launched its first public season: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair at Cadogan Hall and Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol at the Lyceum Theatre, starring Robert Lindsay.
Patrons
Anthony Drewe
Michael Feinstein
Julian Fellowes
Paul Gemignani
Andrew Lippa
Clive Woodward
George Stiles
Stephen Schwartz
Howard Goodall CBE
Jason Robert Brown
Alan Menken
Support us
LMTO is a charity, so we rely on the support of our audiences and fans to continue producing exceptional concerts and supporting young musicians as they enter the professional world.
Sitz
Each month, over 100 musicians and singers gather at Bishopsgate Institute to sing and play though the score of a musical in private. The result is extraordinary. Fancy coming along?