Founded by cellist Dietrich Bethge in 1988 from London's leading musicians, London Octave aims to approach the baroque and classical repertoire in a fresh and vital manner, often without a conductor, but principally for the players’ own enjoyment and the enjoyment of  the audience. 

“full of sparkle and wit” Metro    “Superb delivery of Handel and Bach” Independent

Through their regular London season at St Martin-in-the-Fields, the South Bank and on BBC Radio 3, London Octave has attracted a loyal following of concert goers who appreciate their vitality and virtuosity. This, coupled with their programmes based on major and accessible works, has established them as one of the leading chamber orchestras in Britain. The members, many of whom have distinguished individual careers, frequently take turns as soloists and leading musicians are often invited to work with the ensemble. During the last and the present season, artists include   William Bennett, Neil Black, Marisa Robles, Crispian Steele Perkins, Lorraine McAslan, Yvgeny Sudbin, Julian Farrell, James Bowman, Phillip Simms and the Tallis Chamber Choir.

 

Recently London Octave has taken part in CD recordings with James Bowman (counter-tenor) and given a concert Istanbul’s Is-Sanat Hall with William Bennett (flute).

 

London Octave's recent CD, Better Baroque, featuring well known baroque masterpieces received great acclaim, being described as, "an absolute gem full of sparkle and wit" in Metro. Time Out commented, "Forget the routine baroque, this is better baroque"

Experience the sparkle and wit:

click HERE to listen to a sample (805kb) of Handel’s“The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”

or click HERE to listen to a sample (909kb) of Vivaldi’s Concerto in D minor

or click HERE to listen to a sample (528kb) of Bach’s Suite  No.2 for flute and strings

“Quite excellent…outstandingly musical and lively ” Manchester Evening News