Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is to extend its residency at Marina Theatre 2012

Art & Theatre / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk September 23, 2011

The world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced that it is to extend its prestigious residency at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre into 2012 supporting the Theatre’s new Trust as it prepares to take on the running of the Edwardian venue.

In a major coup for the Marina Theatre, the Orchestra has been resident at the Edwardian venue since 2005. In the seven years that it has already held the residency, the association has brought internationally renowned musicians, soloists and conductors to the East Coast 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 extend our association with the Marina Theatre. As Resident Orchestra, we continue to enjoy the loyal support of audiences from Lowestoft and the surrounding areas, and we look forward to working with the new Marina Theatre Trust to build upon the huge success we have enjoyed since our partnership began.”

Chief Executive of the Marina Theatre Trust Martin Halliday added, “We are extremely proud of our association with the RPO and are delighted that as we prepare for an exciting new era, the Orchestra has agreed to extend its Residency at the Marina Theatre. 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 chosen to further extend their residency and shows a great deal of faith in both the future of the Marina, the new trust 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. The Orchestra recently celebrated its 65th birthday, having given its inaugural concert on 15th September 1946. In honour of this, special performances will be given throughout a 65th Anniversary Season and the Marina Theatre is delighted that the brand new 2012 Lowestoft series will be a part of this.

Deputy Leader of Waveney District Council, Stephen Ardley has been involved with the association since it began. He said, “I am thrilled that the RPO is extending its relationship with the Marina Theatre. Waveney District Council remains fully supportive of this unique association and is delighted that it will continue and no doubt prosper especially as the venue moves into its new Trust.”

Member of Parliament for Waveney, Peter Aldous also welcomed the news, “It is tremendous news that the RPO is extending its association with the Marina. This is an endorsement of the successful relationship that has been built up in recent years and it is a welcome announcement as the Marina begins a new chapter in its life.”

Mayor of Lowestoft, Tod Sullivan added: “I am delighted to see the RPO continue to support the Marina Theatre with this unique arrangement. It is vital that we retain a cultural and creative focus for the town and this relationship is a great example of that.”

Full details of the eighth year of Residency will be announced in the coming weeks. The Orchestra’s next concert (Last Night of the Proms) on October 1 is already sold out, however there is still some availability for the concert on November 25 with the Orchestra’s Principal Associate Conductor Grzegorz Nowak and Lowestoft favourite, pianist Piers Lane. To book for this concert please call the Box Office on 01502 533200.