Brighton orchestra's future safe

Classical music lovers pledged to donate £72,700 after an emergency appeal to save the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Falling ticket sales and a reduction in legacies plunged the orchestra into crisis and left it unable to meet payments or pay musicians.

To secure its survival into the 2013/14 season it needed a cash injection of at least £70,000 before its board meeting on August 17.

Barry Wordsworth, music director, told donors: “The support you have given to the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra is the greatest display of trust I can imagine.

“It will inspire all of us with a new enthusiasm and dedication for our work in
general, and our performances here in Brighton, in particular.

“This is an important achievement not only for the Philharmonic, but I believe will also be recognised as a matter of civic pride, as it preserves an important part of the character of this great city.”

The cheques people who pledged to donate must now be collected to make outstanding payments and prepare for the forthcoming season.

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival, said: “It is wonderful to hear the response to the appeal has been so positive, which is testament to the affection people feel for this vital part of Brighton and Hove’s musical life.

“I am greatly looking forward to a wonderful series of concerts from the BPO and I hope all music lovers will support the orchestra as audience members in the coming season and further help to ensure its future for the long term.”

In a letter to members Karen Platt, chairman of the board, said: “It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that we have had an excellent response to our appeal and have secured over £70,000 in pledges, which means the BrightonPhilharmonic will continue and we can present the 2013/14 season as published.”

Tickets for the next concert season starting on October 6 can be purchased from The Dome Box Office on 01273 709709.