The London Philharmonic Orchestra (frequently abbreviated to LPO), based in London , is one of the major orchestras of the United Kingdom . It is based in the Royal Festival Hall. It was formed in 1932 by Thomas Beecham , and played its first concert on October 7 of that year. In 1939 it became self-governing, with members of the orchestra themselves taking decisions on the organisation’s affairs. During the Second World War the Orchestra was particularly active in touring the country and brin