The Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra makes a unique contribution to the musical life of the region. It attracts players from a wide area and continues to develop with an ever more varied repertoire. As a non-professional orchestra it consists of players who are united by one principle - producing fantastic performances for all.
A sign of the orchestra's success is that it now thrives without the financial support of the Borough, quite unthinkable for a professional orchestra! Yet it performs works that a municipal professional orchestra, based in a town of modest size, could not envisage staging because of sheer expense.
Any successful artistic organisation owes a debt to its traditions and to former members. Herbert Lodge, Worthing's Musical Director from 1935, was the inspiration behind the launch of the Citizens' Orchestra in 1948 and its development with two subsequent Musical Directors, James Kershaw (1954-1967) and Jan Cervenka (1968-1996). Subsequent Musical Directors have been Robin Page (1996-2007) and Steve Dummer (2008-2013), with the current Musical Director, Dominic Grier, being appointed in 2014. The Orchestra has embraced young musicians of the area, particularly the pupils of Boundstone Community College and many highly talented local soloists.
The committee has continued to press for the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra to be seen as an integral part of the musical life of the town and feels certain that the excellence which is a hallmark of so many performances in Worthing will be cherished by all music lovers. To that end, the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra has established itself as a self-governing charity, truly dedicated to the musical well-being of the community. read more
