LSO Live: An Entrepreneurial Venture

This case study, grounded in entrepreneurship theory, explores LSO Live, the sixteenyear- old record label wholly owned and operated by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). The examination includes a history of the forward-looking LSO, including: the player-owned model of the orchestra; the ensemble’s long tradition of film soundtrack recording; the launch of their in-house label, LSO Live; the organization’s current plans for a new “Centre for Music”; the LSO’s efforts to engage audiences through digital audio and video content; and challenges facing the orchestra as they “push forward” into new territory while also capitalizing on their 102 year history. The LSO’s experiences in launching, maintaining, and furthering the label illuminate the importance of traditional “legacy” arts organizations’ efforts to speak to a new audience and produce electronic media.