MARINA THEATRE LOWESTOFT


Seven Years Strong

The Management at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre has announced that it has secured an historic seventh year of residency with the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO).

In a major coup for the Marina Theatre, the Orchestra has been resident at the Edwardian venue since 2005. In the six years that it has already held the residency, the association has brought world famous musicians, soloists and conductors to Lowestoft, with the link hailed as one the most successful of its kind throughout the UK.

Ian Maclay, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra says:

“We are thrilled to confirm an extension to our association and announce details of our brand new 2011 series at the Marina Theatre. As Resident Orchestra, we continue to enjoy the loyal support of audiences from Lowestoft and the surrounding areas, and we do hope that our new season of concerts offers something to suit all tastes – from Broadway and West End musical magic to popular and evocative English orchestral works.”

Theatre manager Martin Halliday added, “We are extremely proud of our association with the RPO and are delighted that once again the Orchestra has agreed to extend its residency at the Marina. Since the association began it has enabled us to present some of the finest musicians in the world here on stage in Lowestoft. It is a great honour that the Orchestra has agreed to further extend their residency and shows a great deal of faith in both the future of the Marina, its management and its audience.”

Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most prodigious orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys an international reputation for bringing audiences worldwide first-class performances and the highest possible standards of music-making across a diverse range of musical repertoire. This was the vision of the Orchestra’s flamboyant founder Sir Thomas Beecham, whose legacy is maintained today as the Orchestra thrives undertaking a very busy schedule of UK concerts, international touring and recording. As we release news of the 2011 series in Lowestoft today, the Orchestra is embarking on its first year of a prestigious annual residency in Montreux, Switzerland.

Cllr Stephen Ardley, portfolio holder at Waveney District Council which owns the Marina said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the RPO has agreed to extend its association with the Marina Theatre. To have one of the best orchestras in the world resident for another year is just fantastic.”

Chairman of the Friends of the Marina, Peter Wilson also welcomed the news, “With the reduction in the theatre programme over recent years and the current worry regarding the outsourcing of the venue, the news that the RPO has agreed to stay with the Marina for another year is an enormous boost. The Marina’s association with the RPO is the envy of many towns and cities across the country and I am delighted that the Orchestra has shown and continues to show such commitment.”

Tickets for the seventh year of residency will be available from mid September to coincide with the launch of the venues forthcoming Autumn season. Before that music lovers can look forward to the RPO performing a special Opera Gala on October 2 with virtuoso Chloë Hanslip featuring in a programme to include Beethoven’s Violin Concerto on November 27. For more information please call the box office on 01502 533200.