THE Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has celebrated its 50th Anniversary Concert Season by signing a new partnership with the University of Exeter.
Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of the BSO and Professor Janice Kay, Provost of University of Exeter (UoE), signed the new agreement making UoE a Principal Academic partner of the internationally renown orchestra.
"The future of an orchestra in the 21st Century is built on strong, strategic, collaborative relationships. The signing of a partnership agreement with UoE is testament to our shared commitment to delivering and broadening the reach of world-class symphonic music to communities in the South-West of England," said Mr Scarfe.
"This marks an exciting new chapter in the outstanding relationship enjoyed between the University and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra," added Professor Kay. "It confirms and celebrates our shared, ongoing commitment to delivering world-class symphonic music to the South-West region, and engaging new participants in the arts from our local community."
The partnership agreement will recognise a shared ongoing commitment between the orchestra and university to make a fundamental contribution to the cultural and educational landscape. The relationship aims to build and strengthen connections between arts, contemporary society and business.
High on the agenda will be the opportunity to influence research and best practice on the role of music in health and well-being, and to engage new participants in creativity and academic achievement. Ultimately, the partnership will influence the creative and intellectual life of Exeter, with an impact that will be felt regionally, nationally and internationally.
The BSO is the largest performing arts organisation to the South and West of London. Now widely recognised as 'The resident orchestra of South-West England' it is the only orchestra in the UK to present a major symphonic residency in a university.
The Great Hall at UoE has been the symphonic performance space in Devon for the BSO since 1965; in that time it has built a strong audience for live classical music.
