Today’s announcement enables the BSO to remain ambitious in fulfilling its unique remit of creating world-class musical experiences for people across 10,000 square miles of the South and South West: from symphonic performances with brilliant guest artists, life-empowering schools’ concerts and dementia-friendly workshops to work in acute care settings and within our local communities to support health and wellbeing. The continuation of Orchestral Tax Relief will also help us to continue building a more inclusive world for tomorrow, through sector-leading initiatives.

The BSO’s investment in building an in-house digital team was the Company’s much lauded response to the global Covid-19 pandemic. The announcement today, of making Orchestra Tax Relief permanent at 45%, ensures the BSO can continue to livestream the majority of its main season concerts and its Explore the Orchestra schools’ programme from its home venue at Lighthouse, Poole – providing a level of access unmatched in the UK.

The Orchestra’s Digital Concerts enable significant increases in access to culture including in Levelling Up for Culture places across the UK. With audiences in 82 countries, the BSO’s Digital Concerts enhance the UK’s position on the global stage as a leader in culture.