Latest news with #DougieScarfe
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra acknowledged by Portsmouth
A city's authority has reflected on its near-100-year relationship with an orchestra ahead of two City Council acknowledged the contribution of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) both within and beyond Portsmouth Guildhall, including performances for local schoolchildren and accessible concerts for people with in 1893, the BSO shares a long-standing connection with Portsmouth, such as in 1959 when it was invited to perform at the reopening of the Guildhall by Queen Elizabeth Guildhall has remained a key venue for the orchestra, hosting regular concert seasons from the 1960s to the present day. BSO chief executive Dougie Scarfe addressed the council's cabinet decision meeting, and said the orchestra existed to "bring music into peoples lives" and to foster "cultural engagement, creativity, opportunity and well-being in our communities".He said the BSO brought world class musicians from the UK and across the world to Portsmouth each year with "probably the most accessible UK pricing for this quality of music". Scarfe highlighted the Sea Change concert, which gave 1,326 children the opportunity to experience the "awesome sounds of a symphony orchestra".He also noted the orchestra's investment in live streaming, which he said had helped address barriers to cultural access, pointing out that live stream audiences were about 50% more likely to identify as disabled compared to in-hall thanked the council for its continued support, which totals £22,500 this financial added that while the grant had "reduced in real terms by 65% since 2010 it remains vital to our work as your support helps us secure investment from Arts Council England and enables BSO to leverage significant funds through fundraising". Steve Pitt, leader of the council, said he planned to attend one of the two concerts in Guildhall Square in August and encouraged residents to buy BSO will perform a John Williams concert on 1 August, followed by an ABBA Symphonic Spectacular on 2 August. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BSO return this summer for two open-air concerts
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is set to grace Meyrick Park with two open-air concerts this August. The weekend, supported by BCP Council, includes 'Classical Extravaganza 2.0' and 'Symphonic Smash Hits: the 80s'. 'Classical Extravaganza 2.0', directed by Calleva Assistant Conductor Enyi Okpara, takes place on Friday, August 8. It showcases popular classical and film music, including pieces by John Williams, Elgar and Tchaikovsky. The next day, Saturday, August 9, the park will come alive with 'Symphonic Smash Hits: the 80s', sponsored by Lester Aldridge Solicitors. This high-energy event will feature West End singers, with Pete Harrison conducting hits by Madonna, Elton John and more. Attendees are encouraged to join the orchestra in dressing up in their favourite 80s-inspired outfits. READ: Special guests to star at festival celebrating nature, music and arts The gates at Meyrick Park will open at 6pm, with performances starting at 8pm. Guests are invited to bring their own picnics to enjoy on site. The evenings will end with a fireworks and pyrotechnics display. For more details and early bird tickets, visit Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's chief executive, Dougie Scarfe OBE, said: "Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's open-air concerts at Meyrick Park are always a huge highlight of our summer. "We're looking forward to performing some of the most enduring hits from film and classical …before celebrating iconic music from the '80s. So, dust off the shoulder pads, and we'll see you there." Tom Alder, managing partner at Lester Aldridge Solicitors, said: "We're proud to support Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and help bring live music to the heart of Bournemouth this summer: it promises to be a truly unforgettable evening."
