THE prestigious residency of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in Lowestoft, continues next week as the sounds of some of the world's top musicians return to the east coast for the fifth year.

THE prestigious residency of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in Lowestoft, continues next week as the sounds of some of the world's top musicians return to the east coast for the fifth year.

The link between the Marina Theatre and the orchestra was due to come to the end last December - however a Journal campaign backed by the orchestra, patrons and major artistes led to theatre bosses securing an extension into 2009.

The Edwardian theatre became home to the nation's top orchestra in 2004, with the RPO granting the Marina one of only three residencies outside London, and since then the link has been hailed as one of the most successful of its kind in the UK.

Ian Maclay, managing director of the RPO, said: 'Our first four seasons at the Marina have been nothing but a runaway success. The RPO is very much enjoying the position as resident orchestra and to announce a fifth year is very encouraging indeed. We look forward to offering audiences in Lowestoft and the surrounding area an exciting programme for 2009.'

Manager of the Marina, Martin Halliday added: 'It is tremendous news that the RPO have agreed to extend their association with us, it was a huge gamble for both the venue and the orchestra to take and I am delighted it has proved such a great success. To have the world's top orchestra resident in our town has already seen healthy audiences at each concert so far and tickets for the new season are in great demand.'

Next Friday will be the first concert in the 2009 series, which will be conducted by Grzegorz Nowak. Soloist is Emma Johnson, who shot to fame at the tender age of 18, winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in 1984.

Other concerts in the series will include The Golden Age of Musicals on July 3, a celebration of English music on October 9 and on November 14 a Russian Gala. The series has been further enhanced by the inclusion of a major international guest orchestra, the Prague Symphony Orchestra.

For more information or to book seats call the box office on 01502 533200.