Eastbourne Concert Orchestra marks 75 Years
The Eastbourne Concert Orchestra celebrated a major milestone this month, marking its 75th Anniversary Season with a sold‑out Gala Concert at the historic Winter Garden. More than 270 audience members attended despite soaring temperatures, joining players, supporters and civic guests for an evening of music spanning orchestral favourites, opera, film and musicals.
The concert welcomed several honoured guests, including HM Lord‑Lieutenant of East Sussex, the Deputy Mayor of Eastbourne, the Mayor of Seaford, and the Mayor of Polegate Town, each recognising the orchestra’s long-standing contribution to Eastbourne’s cultural life.
The programme reflected the orchestra’s rich history and community spirit, opening with the overture from Die Fledermaus — chosen by former conductor Dr Bryn Bridges OBE, who led the orchestra from 1982 to 2001. The evening continued with audience favourites and player‑selected works, including Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Anderson’s Serenata, and a lively Brindisi from Verdi’s La Traviata, performed by guest tenor Kristian Thorkildsen, whose appearance was warmly received.
A highlight of the first half was Star Trek: Through the Years, celebrating both the orchestra’s anniversary and the franchise’s 60th year, bringing a cinematic flourish to evening.
After the interval, the orchestra performed Khachaturian’s Masquerade Waltz, Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, and Helen Rhodes’ Because, featuring trumpet soloist Andy Trowhill. Thorkildsen returned to the stage with powerful renditions from Chess and Oklahoma!, before the orchestra closed with the audience‑chosen Oklahoma! Selections and the traditional finale, Sussex by the Sea.
The concert also celebrated the orchestra’s journey since its founding in 1951 as the Eastbourne Orchestral Society. From its early days performing at the Winter Garden to its transformation into the Eastbourne Concert Orchestra in 1993, the ensemble has grown into a vibrant community group performing three concerts a year and championing both well‑known repertoire and underrepresented composers.
The Gala was supported by generous sponsors, including Season Sponsor Brufords Jewellers & Brufords Watches, Community Sponsors The Arts Society Eastbourne and The Rotary Club of Eastbourne, Media Sponsor D.B Photography Sussex, Real Life Videos, Office Plants, and Eastbourne Theatres – Winter Garden.
As the orchestra looks ahead to its 76th Season, Musical Director & Conductor Simon Polton‑Gower reflected on the orchestra’s legacy and future, saying: ‘It’s a true commitment to community music-making, diverse programming, and opportunities for local musicians and audiences alike to enjoy orchestral music in all its forms’.
The Eastbourne Concert Orchestra will return later this year with its Christmas Concert at All Saints Church on Tuesday 1 December, followed by Spring and Summer performances at Eastbourne Town Hall.