Over the next year, the BSO will bring several full symphonic performances and family-friendly chamber-scale concerts to the South Coast’s biggest theatre.
The Grade II listed venue, which hosts a broad range of touring productions, welcomes the Orchestra and its Southampton-based community choir, BSO Voices, for a celebration of music by Disney composer Alan Menken on Saturday 22 April.
People based in and around Southampton are set to experience more live music over the coming months thanks to a new partnership between Mayflower Theatre and one of the UK’s best-loved orchestras, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO).
The BSO will perform a series of concerts at both Mayflower Theatre and Southampton’s community-led creative hub at MAST, Mayflower Studios.
Several full symphonic concerts, including film favourites by John Williams and Hans Zimmer (9 March 2024) and a New Year’s Viennese Gala (6 January 2024), will take place at the 2,270-seat Mayflower Theatre — with the BSO’s Southampton-based community choir, BSO Voices, joining forces in a celebration of Disney hits in the Magic of Menken (22 April 2023).
At MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton’s community-led cultural hub, musicians from the Orchestra will present ‘BSO On Your Doorstep’ chamber-scale performances. These family-friendly relaxed concerts are designed for all ages, with music spanning a broad range of genres.
Aspiring musicians will also benefit from the cultural collaboration, with future events being planned in conjunction with Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub.
Mayflower Theatre’s Chief Executive, Michael Ockwell, said: “We are very excited about our new partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra isn’t a stranger to Southampton having performed at venues within the city. Both Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios are thrilled to become a regular host for the BSO and establishing another home for their great music within Southampton. Community is of great importance to Mayflower Theatre and MAST, and we are excited to explore the potential outreach opportunities which will come from this partnership. We believe there is a great synergy between our organisations and look forward to welcoming new audiences for their concerts in our wonderful venues.”
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Executive, Dougie Scarfe, said: “We’re thrilled to announce this new partnership between Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Mayflower Theatre and MAST Studios. There is a compelling dynamism for culture in Southampton, something that was brilliantly captured in its shortlisted bid for the UK’s City of Culture 2025 and subsequent foundation of Southampton Culture Trust. We’re excited to play a role in helping to shape the next chapter and this new partnership builds on our existing relationships with local music hubs and venue partners. We look forward to sharing more live music, developing deeper connections with local communities, and to contributing to Southampton’s long-term cultural output.”
Claire Whitaker, CBE and Chief Executive of the Southampton Culture Trust, said: “It’s fantastic that the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has formed a partnership with Mayflower Theatre, one of the most important venues in the south of England. With world class reputations, they each represent the very best the region has to offer and we very much look forward to the relationship growing over the coming years and becoming a major feature of the city’s annual cultural calendar.”
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and BSO Voices unite for a celebration of hits from Disney classics in The Magic of Menken at Mayflower Theatre on Saturday 22 April. For full details see bsolive.com or mayflower.org.uk
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