An orchestra on the verge of collapse is a step closer to being saved thanks to an appeal in The Argus.
The 89-year-old Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra suspended all payments to players and launched an emergency appeal on Monday, August 5.
After publicising its plight, the orchestra is now less than £10,000 away from being saved after classical music lovers pledged funds.
Falling ticket sales and sponsorship and fewer than expected legacies were blamed for the orchestra’s dire financial situation.
Chairman Karen Platt said: “I was right to be encouraged as we’re now approaching £60,000 – the appeal has gone really well.
“The audience and our members have really stepped up with some extremely generous donations.
“We’ve had more people giving money since The Argus article which put the appeal to a wider audience, so we’re really grateful.”
The orchestra has until Monday’s board meeting when it will make a decision on whether it can continue.
The £70,000 target is the minimum to secure its future. The money has been pledged rather than donated so will need to be collected.
Ms Platt added: “If we’re unsuccessful then there will be no more orchestra. It’s made up of freelance players and there’s no permanent orchestra as such, so the players would continue but we would fold, and Brighton would lose part of its cultural heritage.”
Trevor Bolton, of Friends of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, told The Argus: “It’s very reassuring to know that there’s been an uptake from people that read the paper.”
Contact Brighton Philharmonic on 01273 622900, mail@brightonphil.org.uk, or send cheques payable to Brighton and Hove Philharmonic Society to 41 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RJ.
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