The London Symphony Orchestra Limited
Also known as: Lso
The principal activity of the LSO is the provision of a Symphony Orchestra for high quality musical performances, broadcasting and recordings and supporting this work with a music education programme designed to reach a wide range of people.
Activities & Mission
The principal activity of the LSO is the provision of a Symphony Orchestra for high quality musical performances, broadcasting and recordings and supporting this work with a music education programme designed to reach a wide range of people.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 34% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample: 125). How is this calculated?
Higher than 51% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 34% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £28,805,000 | £24,601,000 | £22,958,000 | £14,007,000 | £2,800,000 | 84 / 4 |
| 2024 | £21,109,000 | £19,979,000 | £18,393,000 | £9,786,000 | £2,090,000 | 89 / 5 |
| 2023 | £21,518,000 | £21,130,000 | £19,678,000 | £8,727,000 | £2,650,000 | 74 / 5 |
| 2022 | £21,113,000 | £18,338,000 | £17,191,000 | £8,315,000 | £2,500,000 | 67 / 2 |
| 2021 | £11,765,000 | £12,240,000 | £11,204,000 | £5,554,000 | £2,100,000 | 69 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The London Symphony Orchestra Limited
What does The London Symphony Orchestra Limited do?
The principal activity of the LSO is the provision of a Symphony Orchestra for high quality musical performances, broadcasting and recordings and supporting this work with a music education programme designed to reach a wide range of people.
How much income did The London Symphony Orchestra Limited report in 2025?
The London Symphony Orchestra Limited reported total income of £28.80m and reported expenditure of £24.60m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The London Symphony Orchestra Limited?
The London Symphony Orchestra Limited has a program ratio of 79.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 34% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample of 125 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The London Symphony Orchestra Limited registered as a charity?
The London Symphony Orchestra Limited was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 8 May 1964 as charity number 232391. It has been registered for 62 years.
Who runs The London Symphony Orchestra Limited?
The London Symphony Orchestra Limited is governed by a board of 17 trustees. The chair of trustees is Sarah Quinn. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The London Symphony Orchestra Limited operate?
The London Symphony Orchestra Limited operates in London, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The London Symphony Orchestra Limited a registered charity?
Yes — The London Symphony Orchestra Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 232391.
Details
Silk Street
LONDON
EC2Y 8DS
Registry Information
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Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Lso
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated