Founded in 1999, The New Professionals is a vibrant ensemble of the most talented London musicians at the start of their careers. Throughout its history, the orchestra has been acclaimed for innovative programming and dynamic musicianship as well as for juxtaposing rarely performed 20th-century works with fresh interpretations of traditional repertoire.

As guests, the New Professionals has given several performances at the South Bank Centre – in two critically-acclaimed appearances on the FRESH series, and in a sold-out performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. In addition, they have been guests at the Proms at St Jude’s festival in Hampstead, the City Music Society, the Richmond Concert Society, Mayfair Concerts the City Music Society and at Hampstead Parish Church. They have collaborated with the Pegasus Opera Company, Saffron Waldon Choral Society, the Royal College and Royal Academy of Music, and with the London Conducting Workshop.

Renowned for its programming, the New Professionals enjoys programming familiar works alongside lesser-known repertoire. The orchestra has most recently given the UK premieres of works by Pierre Jalbert and Gabriela Lena Frank, and previously gave the World Premieres of Robert Fokkens’ Violin Concerto with Harriet Mackenzie at the Purcell Room, and of Intoxicating Orchids, written for the NPO by Richard Whalley. The NPO enjoys featuring lesser-known works – their production of Milhaud’s little-known opera Le Pauvre Matelot at the 2003 Battersea Opera Festival sold out its entire run and was acclaimed by Opera Now and The Times, and have also featured well-known and eclectic American works – some edited from unpublished manuscripts – including the UK Premiere of a set of orchestral dances by Henry Cowell.

The NPO also enjoys education work – and has given workshops at the Royal Academy of Music, Dulwich College, Oundle School, and University College School, and is the resident orchestra for the London Conducting Workshops at the Royal College of Music.