The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) commences an historic tenth year in residence at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre on Friday 21 February 2014.

Since commencing the partnership with the RPO the highly successful relationship has brought a host of world renowned conductors, musicians and soloists to the East Coast.

Marina Chief Executive Martin Halliday said, “We are thrilled that our ongoing relationship with the magnificent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has reached such a significant milestone. I would like to thank the Orchestra for their ongoing commitment to both the Marina and our town and the many thousands of concert goers that have and continue to support our orchestral concerts. 2014 will be an exciting year as we present a varied programme including Beethoven’s finest works, a spectacular celebration of music from the James Bond films, our ever popular Last Night of the Proms and a special commemoration of the First Word War.”

RPO Managing Director, Ian Maclay added, “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to commence a tenth anniversary season at the Marina Theatre. I had no idea that when we started our relationship with the Marina that we would still be enjoying such a successful and worthwhile relationship ten years later. There is now a very close bond between the RPO and Lowestoft which is greatly valued by the orchestral players and we always look forward to performing in the town. We have an especially exciting series of programmes for 2014 with music to appeal to everyone. So let’s celebrate the tenth anniversary and look forward to the next decade of great music making in Lowestoft.”

The first concert which takes place on Friday 21 February features award winning pianist, Freddy Kempf and includes three of Beethoven’s finest works including his Egmont Overture, Triple Concerto and Piano Concerto No.5. The Marina Theatre, which has been operating as a Charitable Trust since 2011 continues to present a wide range of live and film performances annually. In partnership with Waveney District Council, the Trust lead a major refurbishment in 2012 which saw the auditorium repainted and seating refurbished with a new café, gallery and box office created in an adjacent building. 2013 has so far seen a substantial upgrade to the venues cinema equipment to Digital and the Trust are currently in the process of creating a new community meeting space.

Cllr Stephen Ardley, Deputy Leader of Waveney District Council was Lowestoft Mayor in 2004 and was involved in the negotiations to bring the orchestra to the town. He said: “We recognised the importance of the relationship between the theatre and the RPO from the very start. It was wonderful to help bring them here and it has been an absolute pleasure to support this outstanding decade-long residency.

“Not only does their presence provide the very highest quality entertainment, it also attracts visitors from beyond Lowestoft and the district as a whole, providing significant benefits to the local and tourism economy.

“I cannot praise the Marina Theatre Trust too highly for their ability to attract the very best performers to the town and the RPO’s 10 years in the town is the cornerstone of their achievements.”

Waveney MP Peter Aldous commented, “It is fantastic news that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are to extend their stay at the Marina Theatre. Together they have built up an extremely successful partnership over the past nine years and it is great that it is to continue.”

A limited number of seats are still available for this Friday’s (21 Feb) concert and further events in the 2014 season. For more information or to book, please call the Marina Theatre box office on 01502 533200 or check online at www.marinatheatre.co.uk

 

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