Thomas Beecham (April 29, 1879 - March 8, 1961) was a British conductor. He founded several British orchestras including the New Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Beecham is often taken to be the finest British conductor of the early to mid-twentieth century. Beecham was a great champion of several composers, including Delius, Ethel Smyth and Sibelius. He also often succeeded in presenting slight pieces, such as encores, in their best light, and this gave rise to the terminology "Beecham's lollipops."