UK Orchestras on TikTok
More and more classical musicians and ensembles are joining TikTok to share concert snippets, rehearsal insights, performer interviews, conductor close ups, and shots from backstage. Follow us @alterclassical (although we’re yet to post any content) and these artists below to get started on your classical TikTok journey. You can also read 12 Classical Music TikTok Accounts to Follow.
London Philharmonic Orchestra
@lporchestra
The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), resident at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, is the most followed UK orchestra with almost 80k fans. They were one of the earlier adopters of the platform, signing up in January 2021. There are performance anxiety tips, orchestral music played alongside the score, and film music rehearsals.
Her Ensemble
@herensemble
Her Ensemble, a free-form string group that aims to make a positive impact on the gender gap, joined TikTok in December 2020. Follow them for funny videos and stats about gender inequality in the classical music industry, and takedowns of the sector’s dress code requirements for female performers.
National Youth Orchestra of GB
@nyo_gb
The National Youth Orchestra of GB – a community of committed teenage musicians – has been on TikTok since January 2021. Check out their account for ‘duet with me’ videos, practice reminders for musicians, backstage jazz jams, violin covers, and musicians attempting to play instruments for the first time…
London Sinfonietta
@london.sinfonietta
London Sinfonietta, an ensemble placing contemporary classical music at the heart of today's culture, joined TikTok in March 2022. Hear unusual percussion sounds, get an introduction to extended techniques, and watch trailers for world premieres.
Aurora Orchestra
@auroraorchestra
The Aurora Orchestra, creators of vivid and powerful musical experiences, joined the platform in November 2022. The team posts ticket giveaways, POV videos from the percussion section, quick-fire questions with composers, and morsels of meditative music.
London Symphony Orchestra
@londonsymphonyorchestra
The LSO has just posted its first TikTok in April 2023, with an introduction from Simon Rattle. In the pipeline are some ASMR videos, how to videos on instrument upkeep, and tips from players about practising, being on stage and dealing with nerves.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
@asmforchestra
Chamber orchestra the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, led by Joshua Bell, has been on TikTok since Summer 2022. They post videos on composer anniversaries, rehearsal life backstage, views from different instrumental sections, and snippets of what the orchestra gets up to on tour when not performing (ziplining, apparently!).
Chineke! Orchestra
@chinekeorchestra
Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra joined in May 2022. Follow for classical covers of Bob Marley songs, tour trailers, and a view behind the scenes with the musicians.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
@royalphilorchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra joined TikTok in July 2022. Head over to their profile for concert timelapses, a peek inside the rehearsal room, an introduction to their soloists, and a view backstage with the performers.
Philharmonia
@philharmoniaorchestra
The Philharmonia Orchestra, a world-class orchestra founded in 1945, posted its first video to TikTok in Autumn 2022. Visit their profile for some rehearsal snippets and concert tasters.
CBSO
@thecbso
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is new to TikTok, having just joined in December 2022. So far they have posted fragments from concerts and rehearsals, including Alan Titchmarsh conducting and festive Christmas music. Friend them to see what happens next.
Orchestra of the Swan
@orchestraoftheswan
Chamber ensemble Orchestra of the Swan blurs lines between genres. They joined in September 2021 to post top tips for auditions, pop covers, live radio performances, and a glimpse into what it’s like to work behind the scenes for an orchestra.
London Chamber Orchestra
@lcoorchestra
The UK's longest-standing professional chamber orchestra is on TikTok as of January 2022. The organisation has so far posted ‘day in the life’ videos and clips with the office dog Luna.
The Hallé
@the_halle
Manchester orchestra The Hallé joined TikTok in January 2022 to share music quizzes, facts, composer interviews, game music and funny videos.
Hannah Fiddy is a creative entrepreneur, developing new audiences for classical music. She has created and promoted numerous concerts outside of traditional spaces, including warehouses, pubs, clubs, museums, hospitals, prisons and even in Primark. Hannah is also an interviewer, writer and guest lecturer, and runs the Avon Chamber Choir in Bristol. In a past life she founded London Flashmob, producing quirky events from wedding proposals to cultural pranks for up to 1,000 people.
Follow Hannah on Twitter @Hannah_Fiddy.