In his speech to graduates, Scarfe spoke of the power of the next generation as a force for good, citing the example of 24-year old Dan Godfrey: the ambitious conductor founded the BSO in 1893, attracting the world’s leading talent to the newly-formed spa town.

Speaking to students, Scarfe said, “It reminds me daily that when you invest in the young not only do good things happen but that the new generation show the way forward to new and better things. […] I have every confidence that your generation will keep up the charge: my ask of you is that like Dan Godfrey you continue to advocate and demand that future generations have such opportunity.”

He also emphasised the importance of partnerships, celebrating the relationship with AUB and the collaborative way in which organisations work together to ensure the creative arts reach the widest number.

The two institutions have welcomed the giants of the arts world to the area for over 125 years: from Edward Elgar, Henry Wood and Dame Ethel Smyth, to the stars of today including conductors Kirill Karabits and Marta Gardolińska, Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz), screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire). The BSO recently announced its 2019/20 season, during which the Venezuelan pianist and Latin Grammy winner Gabriela Montero will be Artist-in-Residence.

Both the BSO and AUB have nurtured renowned talent since their formation in the late decades of the 19th century, when they evolved to provide creative opportunity and experience for the people of Bournemouth.

It was announced in January that the BSO and AUB – alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, Bournemouth University, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts and Arts Council England (ACE) – had launched a public Cultural Enquiry. The Enquiry will look at the role that culture plays in people’s lives and the opportunity for a long-term cultural vision at the heart of communities in the new City Region covering Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole (BCP).

For the full press release, please see download above.