Founded in 1928, the BBC Symphony Chorus is one of Britain’s finest, most distinctive large choruses. Its early concerts included first performances of works by Bartók, Holst and Stravinsky under such conductors as Adrian Boult, Arturo Toscanini and Bruno Walter; with recent commissions from James MacMillan, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Julian Anderson, Michael Nyman and Judith Bingham, this commitment to new music is undiminished after nearly 80 years. As resident chorus at the BBC Proms, the Symphony Chorus makes several appearances each year, including always the First and Last Nights and, since 1995 when they premièred Judith Bingham’s Salt in the Blood, regular “solo” appearances under the baton of Chorus Director Stephen Jackson. Together with other a cappella concerts and frequent studio recordings for Radio 3 this has gained the Chorus a unique profile among Britain’s large amateur choirs. The group also maintains a busy schedule of concert and recording work with the BBC Symphony and other orchestras, both in the UK and abroad.