More recently, its principal conductors have included Pierre Monteux (1961–64), Istvan Kertesz (1965–68), André Previn (1968–79) and Claudio Abbado (1979–88). From 1988-1995, the American Michael Tilson-Thomas took over, and in 1995, became principal guest conductor. Sir Colin Davis served as the LSO's Principal Conductor from 1995-2006, and in 2007 took the post of President of the orchestra. On 1 January 2007, Valery Gergiev became the LSO's Principal Conductor. Previn holds the title of Conductor Laureate. In 2006, Daniel Harding became the co-principal guest conductor alongside Tilson Thomas. Richard Hickox is the Associate Guest Conductor of the LSO.
The LSO became the first British orchestra to play overseas when it went to Paris in 1906. The LSO was due to sail on the RMS Titanic for a concert in New York in April 1912 but fortunately had to change the booking at the last minute. It was also the first to play in the United States, in 1912, and in 1973 it was the first to be invited to take part in the Salzburg Festival. It continues to make tours around the world.
In 1966 the London Symphony Chorus (LSC) was formed to complement the work of the LSO. with more that two hundred amateur singers, the LSC maintains a close association with the LSO; however it has developed an independent life, which allows it to partner other leading orchestras.
The LSO has long been considered the most extraverted of the London orchestras. For most of its life it refused to allow women to become members, ostensibly on the grounds that women would affect the sound of the orchestra (there has been a similar controversy at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra). There is an air of youthful high spirits to much of its music-making that is shown off in performances of such composers as Berlioz and Prokofiev. The LSO has often had internationally-known players as wind soloists, including such artists as James Galway (flute), Gervase de Peyer (clarinet), Roger Lord (oboe), Osian Ellis (harp), John Georgiadis (violin) and Barry Tuckwell (horn). Like most ensembles, the orchestra has a great ability to vary its sound, producing very different tone colours under such diverse conductors as Stokowski (with whom it made a series of memorable recordings), Adrian Boult, Jascha Horenstein, Georg Solti, André Previn, George Szell, Claudio Abbado, Leonard Bernstein, John Barbirolli, and Karl Böhm, who developed a close relationship with the orchestra late in his life. Böhm and Bernstein each held the title of LSO President in their later years.
Clive Gillinson, a former cellist with the orchestra, served as the LSO's Managing Director from 1984 to 2005, and is widely credited with bringing great stability to the LSO's organization after severe fiscal troubles.[1] Since 2005, Kathryn McDowell is the Managing Director of the LSO.[2]
Tommy's Holiday Camp
London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good morning Campers!
I'm your Uncle Ernie
And I'll welcome you to Tommy's Holiday Camp
The camp with the difference
Never mind the weather
When you come to Tommy's
The lyrics of London Symphony Orchestra's song Tommy's Holiday Camp, specifically Uncle Ernie's introduction, sets a tone of excitement and promise. Uncle Ernie is a welcoming figure, introducing the listeners to Tommy's Holiday Camp, a place where holidays never end. The "camp with the difference" is described as a place where weather is not a matter of concern. The lyrics suggest a place of leisure and relaxation, almost utopian in its concept.
However, the mention of Uncle Ernie's name may hold more significance than just being a welcoming figure. In The Who's rock opera "Tommy," Uncle Ernie is a child molester who victimizes Tommy at the camp. This, along with other sinister occurrences, ultimately leads to Tommy's dissociation from reality. The contrast between the lyrics' optimistic tone and the dark storyline of "Tommy" adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it lesser known but still relevant.
Overall, the lyrics of Tommy's Holiday Camp convey a sense of hopefulness and fun, with the potential for deeper meanings for those who are familiar with The Who's rock opera.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning Campers!
Greetings, dear camp attendees!
I'm your Uncle Ernie
My name is Uncle Ernie, and I'll be your guide during your stay at Tommy's Holiday Camp.
And I'll welcome you to Tommy's Holiday Camp
I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you, as you join us at this unique holiday camp.
The camp with the difference
Our camp stands out from others, as we offer a distinct experience that sets us apart.
Never mind the weather
Don't worry about the weather, as it won't dampen your spirits or your enjoyment of the camp.
When you come to Tommy's
Upon arrival at Tommy's Holiday Camp,
The holiday's forever
Your holiday will last a lifetime, as you make memories and experience a one-of-a-kind vacation that you will never forget.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind