Springtime!/Island Records in 1981 – is characteristic of their sound; it was inspired by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's "Hooked on Classics". The single, which consisted of the group's previous recordings sped up, amalgamated and synchronized to a disco beat, was a top 40 hit in the UK Singles Chart. As the years passed, the musicians eventually became accustomed to, and more skilled at playing their instruments, which diminished the novelty of the group. Although the group never formally disbanded, it ceased performing in 1979. A recording of the sinfonia playing the beginning of Also sprach Zarathustra has achieved some fame as an internet meme under the moniker "orchestra fail", further gaining popularity on YouTube via references from musician Devin Townsend. The recording was used as the walk-on music for Swedish band Peter Bjorn and John during their 2011 "Gimme Some" tour in the US. The Portsmouth Sinfonia was the subject of a 2011 BBC Radio 4 documentary presented by Jolyon Jenkins in the series "In Living Memory". In the programme Gavin Bryars disputed the notion that members were required to be novices at their instruments, saying that it was a "scurrilous rumour put about by the BBC". Michael Nyman created a similar outfit called Foster's Social Orchestra, which is heard on the soundtrack of the 1999 film Ravenous. Discography Portsmouth Sinfonia Plays the Popular Classics (1974) Hallelujah! – The Portsmouth Sinfonia at the Royal Albert Hall (1974) 20 Classic Rock Classics (1980) "Classical Muddly" / "Hallelujah Chorus" (single, Springtime Records 1981 – UK No. 38) Dead Parrot Society (compilation album, 1993) The Best/Worst of the Portsmouth Sinfonia See also The Really Terrible Orchestra The Really Terrible Orchestra Of the Triangle References External links Portsmouth Sinfonia official site Portsmouth Sinfonia at Discogs 1970 establishments in England 1979 disestablishments in England British instrumental musical groups British comedy musical groups English orchestras Disbanded orchestras Outsider musicians Musicians from Portsmouth Musical groups established in 1970 Musical groups disestablished in 1979 Organisations based in Portsmouth