BSO celebrates 60 years of music making in Exeter
The South West’s leading arts charity and Classic FM’s chosen orchestra of the South launched their 60th Anniversary community celebrations on Thursday 13 March at Exeter’s acclaimed Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) and the University of Exeter to a rapturous reception. The events were held in partnership with Exeter Chamber of Commerce & Industry and One Voice Media & PR and sponsored by Event Exeter.
The first of the exclusive events was held at the RAMM and was attended by a host of leading businesses from Exeter and across the South West. Derek Phillips, Vice President of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, led key speakers as BSO celebrated 60 years of music making and community education work alongside Exeter’s enviable boom of the past 15 years; its continued growth, corporate development, expanding university and cultural life.
Terence O’Rourke, Chairman of the Orchestra, spoke at the event, underlining the importance of local businesses championing BSO’s work “By investing in this world-class Orchestra, businesses will be fundamentally supporting the local economy and the cultural richness of Exeter and the wider South West.”
The inspirational speeches were then followed by a stunning BSO ensemble performance of Mozart’s ‘Dissonance’ Quartet that was extremely well received. A sparkling evening reception followed at the University of Exeter prior to a sold-out BSO concert where the full Orchestra presented Trpčeski Plays Chopin in the Great Hall. A truly memorable occasion, guests enjoyed the opportunity to hear the full power of the symphonic Orchestra and mark 60 years of concerts in the region.
Not only did the day serve to celebrate the Orchestra’s significant milestone anniversary, it acted as a poignant reminder of the educational and charitable work the Orchestra continues to undertake and the support it requires.
Lisa Tregale, BSO Head of Education and Participation, said “BSO’s education and participation programme ensures everyone irrespective of circumstance in the South West has the opportunity to experience world class music. Through the extraordinary power of live music making, we are transforming the lives of people of all ages and abilities across the region.”
The vision of community, corporate and cultural collaboration has been seen as a welcome opportunity to further the city of Exeter as a potential forerunner for a European Capital of Culture bid. The role of BSO is recognised as a key component in application for this flagship programme.
