The English Chamber Orchestra, formed in 1960,enjoys an international reputation as one of the world's most celebrated ensembles. The Orchestra undertakes a busy annual schedule of concert appearances, which include its prestigious London series. Overseas touring fills approximately three months of the schedule each year and since its first foreign tour the ECO has performed in almost 500 cities across the globe. The orchestra's worldwide reputation is enhanced by its recordings of over 1,000 works and includes numerous award-winning discs as well as those of historic interest. The ECO has worked with all the major record companies alongside the world's greatest international artists; recent soloists include Vladimir Ashkenazy, Maxim Vengerov, Emanuel Ax, Hilary Hahn, Sarah Chang and Radu Lupu, amongst many others. The Orchestra is fortunate to have the highly individual Finnish musician Ralf Gothóni as Principal Conductor and Roy Goodman as Principal Guest Conductor. The ECO continues to pursue a busy schedule of UK work and up to 14 foreign tours each season, including its unique annual Mediterranean Music Cruise featuring a host of illustrious guest artists.