February 28, 2005
Missed the concert? Get the ring tone
The London Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1904, has become the first orchestra to record and sell ringtones, reports the The Times Online.
The orchestra has created tones for 54 well-known classical themes that can be downloaded onto a mobile telephone, including renditions from Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Beethoven and Vaughn Williams.
All tunes are samples of the orchestra's recordings, either as a realistic “true tone” sound, or simplified “polytone” or “monotone” adaptations.
The commercial venture is the latest money-making enterprise for the orchestra, which began its own label in 2000.
If you can make classical music everyone wants on their telephone then that is excellent,” he said. “We want to make classical music part of life. Even if we make a loss we feel it will have been worth it.” - Clive Gillinson, the orchestra's managing director.
Related:
-- The Royal Opera of London offers ringtones Themed around particular operas and ballets. Along with a text messaging campaign, the Royal Opera aims to broaden the appeal of opera and ballet and attract younger people.
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