First opened in 1907 as a New Christian Science Church designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm, Cadogan Hall hosted congregations of sixteen hundred in its heyday. However, like most other churches, there was a decline in attendance and in the 1980s there was a congregation of barely one hundred and fifty. By 1996 the congregation was no longer able to cope and sold the building which then fell into disuse.
Cadogan Estates purchased the Hall in 2000 to safeguard its future. Through their connection with Opera Holland Park, Cadogan discovered that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was looking for a permanent base in London. The Orchestra is proud to have assisted with Cadogan's aim to bring the former church back into useful life in a manner befitting its character and civic presence.
Despite the scale of the auditorium, the combined effects of the stage, the steeply raked stalls and the low gallery create a surprisingly intimate venue where audiences can experience a very real feeling of being part of the performance.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to be Cadogan Hall's Resident Orchestra.
