The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has confirmed that it will remain in residence at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre into 2014 signalling an historic tenth year of association with the Edwardian venue. 

In 2005, The Marina Theatre secured its current partnership with the RPO and the highly successful relationship has since brought a host of World renowned conductors, musicians and soloists to the East Coast.

Announcing the news, Marina Chief executive, Martin Halliday said, “We are absolutely thrilled to confirm that the magnificent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will remain with us into 2014. I would like to thank the Orchestra for their ongoing commitment to both the Marina and our town and look forward to an exciting programme of events in 2014 as we celebrate an historic tenth year.”

RPO Managing Director, Ian Maclay added, “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to confirm 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 a specially 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.”

Full details of the tenth anniversary season are expected to be revealed over the coming weeks, with orchestra members in town this week as part of a community project and a major concert celebrating hit songs from all-time classic musicals at the Marina this Saturday. On November 29, the RPO presents a special evening to mark the Centenary of Lowestoft Born composer Benjamin Britten.

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.

Trust Chairman Hazel Clover added, “It is so important for the Marina to present a wide range of professional and community events each year and without doubt our ongoing association with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the most prestigious partnership we have. I am therefore delighted that the RPO have agreed to extend their Residency at the Theatre into 2014 and expect our audiences will be equally pleased.”

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 9 years and it is great that it is to continue.”

Cllr Stephen Ardley, Deputy Leader of Waveney District Council added: “We are absolutely delighted that the RPO will be returning to the Marina Theatre for a tenth year. The association means a great deal both to the theatre and the town of Lowestoft itself and reflects the Marina’s standing as a cultural jewel in the region.”

 

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