I was invited to a birthday party last weekend. It was a very special party for a very special organisation that could easily qualify for a place in this column due to the fact that it is 75 years young and still full of life and energy.

It was, of course, the Brighton and Hove Philharmonic Society which was celebrating three-quarters of a century of making wonderful music in the towns. If Brighton is The Place to Be, then the Philharmonic Society is the Voice to Hear.

Like most of us who have had the good luck to reach the third age, the Philharmonic has passed through a variety of vicissitudes and life has not always been as kind to it as we might have wished, but it has struggled out of difficulties as best it was able, thanks to a succession of chairmen, musical directors and members who were absolutely determined that professional classical music should have a voice in this area.

And what a voice! No 75-year-olds that I know could perform as the

Philharmonic did at the concerts this weekend. Two major concerts, various other musical activities, working with the splendid Brighton Youth Orchestra in a late night offering, first performances of new works - all crammed into a brilliantly organised weekend of celebration.

The members of the Philharmonic Society are a very mixed bunch, all ages, though tending towards a higher age group, bound together by a love of music and prepared to put their money where their collective mouth is. They are supported by a very small professional staff who work miracles with their time.

The Friends of the Phil have strong views on the programming and have no hesitation in staying away if the chosen works are not to their liking. But they really showed their mettle this season during the Dome closure when they had to go to the Theatre Royal.

They were rewarded by a series of Mozart concerts by the president, John Lill, which had them cheering in their unfamiliar seats. There had been a very real worry that if the audience deserted the orchestra in this two-year gap while the Dome was reconstructed, it might mean that it would be almost impossible to get going again.

The members were made of sterner stuff and when they return to the Dome they can be certain that the orchestra will be there to greet them with all the fire and verve which is their trademark. Barry Wordsworth, the current conductor and music director, is only the third in the history of the orchestra. Herbert Menges who started the whole thing off with much distinction was followed by John Carewe.

John established a trust fund to be used for the future benefit of the orchestra and the wonderful New Year's Day concerts are funded by the Trust. And now Barry Wordsworth is carrying the torch at what is probably one of the most difficult times.

He has inspired everyone during this birthday season and he was an honoured guest at the birthday party. He certainly had to sing for his supper but he loved every minute and so did we. Here's to a century of music making.

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