As announced on 12 August, the BSO returns to the concert paltform in a series of socially distanced performances, streamed online from Lighthouse, Poole, starting on 30 September and continuing every Wednesday until  16 December.

We are also delighted to announce that Corporate Partner, Investec has agreed to support the series, allowing us to be one of the very few UK orchestras to be able to stage such an ambitious schedule of full orchestral live concerts. Investec’s support of the BSO over the past 7 years has been a celebration of association with ‘out of the ordinary’ performances. After the longest period away from the concert hall in the BSO’s 127-year history, BSO’s return to Lighthouse – with Investec as Series Sponsor – is recognition of this incredible – out of the ordinary – feat.

Audiences will be able to experience the concerts live online and small, socially distanced audiences will once again be able to attend the concerts live, in person. As part of a series of measures to ensure the safety of our musicians we’ve commissioned a Bournemouth-based specialist firm to build  a huge stage extension, enabling the Orchestra to sit apart with one player per stand and even spreading into the choir stalls.

The Orchestra’s Chief Executive, Dougie Scarfe, said of the news, “After the longest period away from the stage in our 127-year-history, we pleased to announce the start of the Orchestra’s return to live performances for our loyal audiences in the South West. The outpouring of support for our work has further reinforced our belief in the power of music to transform and empower lives – and it’s needed now more than ever. As we look to the future I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to confirm two major commissions: by Franghiz Ali-Zadeh and Shirley J Thompson. With two of the UK’s leading pianists and a clutch of the finest conductors around we can’t wait to bring these concerts to the stage; as well as showcasing our brilliant musicians we’re also proud to continue to bring new and lesser-known music to inspire audiences.

“It’s taken meticulous planning to present these programmes in the safest way possible for audiences, staff and musicians. As a touring ensemble, embedded in communities throughout a vast region we can’t wait to get back on the road and we hope to announce further performance dates as guidance evolves.”

Click here for full concert listings and booking details or download the pdf season brochure.

Click here for the full press release.

Series Sponsor