Orchestra's Lowestoft residency under threat

The future of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's prestigious residency in Lowestoft is under threat this week after it was revealed ticket sales for the next concert in the series are worryingly low.

Yesterday, the region's theatregoers were urged to 'use it or lose it' to ensure its survival at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre.

The theatre currently presents a number of classical concerts each year, with the Prague Symphony Orchestra set to perform in the international concert series as a guest orchestra next Thursday, May 14.

The Marina enjoys one of only three residencies in the UK with the RPO and although the five series to date have enjoyed record audiences, all the concerts rely on near full capacity attendances to make them viable.

For the past five years the theatre has had a small amount of grant funding to underwrite any potential losses, however, with bookings for next week's event below expectations, management at the venue fear that this year's season could be the last.

Theatre manager Martin Halliday has called on patrons to come out in force next week in order that the popular series can continue.

He said: 'Unfortunately, the current economic climate is making the possibility of a sixth year of concerts more and more distant.

'We know the RPO is keen to stay, but the money required to underwrite any potential losses will soon run out.

'Although we have stretched this funding for five years, each concert we present relies on a near full attendance and with the forthcoming concert by the Prague Symphony Orchestra down on numbers, we are appealing to patrons that have not already booked to please buy your seats in order that we can continue to present music of such quality at the Marina.'

Thursday's concert features works by Dvorak, to include Noonday Witch, Cello Concerto and Symphony No 7.

t To book seats call the box office on 01502 533200.