The Penguin Cafe Orchestra (PCO) was founded by British composer Simon Jeffes in 1973, originally known as the Penguin Cafe Quartet before evolving into a larger ensemble. Mixing eclectic styles like African music with Western sounds, the group's music was described by Jeffes as "modern semi-acoustic chamber music." The PCO released several albums, including "Music from the Penguin Cafe" in 1976 and "Signs of Life" in 1987, touring extensively and gaining popularity in the UK and Japan.
After Simon Jeffes' death in 1997, original PCO members reunited for a commemorative concert series in 2007. Although well-received, the group announced no further plans for concerts. Jeffes' son Arthur Jeffes formed "Music from the Penguin Cafe," a successor ensemble continuing the PCO's sound and aesthetic. The new group, later renamed Penguin Cafe, released their debut album in 2011, while original PCO members occasionally performed as the Orchestra That Fell to Earth.
