Brighton Philharmonic saved as supporters raise £70k in two weeks

The future of the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra has been secured as supporters pledged more than £70,000 in just two weeks.

An appeal was started a fortnight ago – and chairman and sponsor Karen Platt has now written to supporters to say: “It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that we had an excellent response to our appeal and have secured over £70,000 in pledges.”

She said that it means “the Brighton Philharmonic will continue and we can present the 2013-14 season as published”.

She added: “I would like to thank each of you who contributed towards making this happen.

“Regardless of how much you donated you can be proud to be a part of saving the orchestra for future generations of music lovers.

“If you hadn’t previously pledged a donation, it’s not too late and all contributions will be gratefully received.”

The orchestra was formed by Herbert Menges in May 1925 as the Symphonic String Players.

By 1928 the orchestra had moved into the Dome and become the Symphonic Players.

Sir Thomas Beecham was appointed as the orchestra’s first president in 1932 – a position later held by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten.

Menges died in 1972 after 47 years as principal conductor. He was succeeded by John Carewe.

The current principal conductor Barry Wordsworth – only the orchestra’s third – was appointed in 1989.

The 2013-14 season of concerts, including the annual New Year’s Eve concert, starts on Sunday 6 October.