The Symphony No. 6, Op. 95 by Malcolm Arnold was written in 1967, and finished in July of that year. It is in three movements:
It is scored for three flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, one tuba, timpani, three percussionists, playing snare drum, bass drum, tenor drum, tambourine, cymbals (both crash and suspended), tam-tam, tubular bells, harp and strings. It was premiered by the composer conducting the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra in Sheffield in June 1968.
The symphony had its London premiere on 24 September 1969 at the Royal Albert Hall. The same concert saw the premiere of Jon Lord's Concerto for Group and Orchestra. Both works were performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Arnold. They were joined for the Concerto by Deep Purple where Jon Lord was a member.