The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has announced the renewal of its partnership with BMW Group for three more years.
BMW has supported the LSO's BMW Classics concerts peformed in Trafalgar Square for the last 12 years.
The organisation said continuing its partnership with BMW would allow it to reach a new and younger audience and continue its work in east London schools. Supported by the Mayor of London, the annual concert takes the LSO out of the concert hall and right into the heart of London.
Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of the LSO, said the company was “hugely grateful" to BMW.
"BMW Classics is the highlight of our year and has become an essential part of London’s summer music calendar," said McDowell, "with thousands enjoying great music live in Trafalgar Square and on YouTube."
The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “The BMW Classics concerts are a firm favourite in the capital’s cultural calendar, bringing fantastic world-class music to Londoners and visitors for free in the heart of central London, as well as showcasing the next generation of talent on stage. I’m proud to be a partner in these events as we build a better London for everyone.”
Walter Mertl, member of the Board of Management of BMW added: “The BMW Group has been supporting hundreds of cultural initiatives for more than 50 years. We firmly believe in the power of music and the arts to bring people together and to experience joy.
"We are looking forward to continuing the BMW Classics partnership with exciting, new ideas and Sir Antonio Pappano on the conductor’s podium. We welcome him and look forward to next year’s concert in Trafalgar Square.”