The prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra kick starts another year of residency in Lowestoft this month.

The acclaimed ensemble, which has been resident at the town's Marina Theatre since 2005, will return to the Edwardian venue with a concert on April 15.

In the past six years of residency, the orchestra has brought an impressive number of top musicians, soloists and conductors to the coastal town.

This season's programme, entitled English Rhapsody, will feature quintessentially British works including Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, Edward Elgar's Enigma' Variations and Chanson de Nuit and Frederick Delius' On Hearing The First Cuckoo In Spring.

Ian Maclay, managing director of the Royal Philharmonic, said: 'We are thrilled to extend our association with the Marina.

'As resident orchestra, we continue to enjoy the loyal support of audiences from Lowestoft and the surrounding areas, and we do hope that our new season of concerts offers something to suit all tastes - from Broadway and West End musical magic to popular and evocative English orchestral works.'

Theatre manager Martin Halliday added: 'It is a great honour that the orchestra has chosen to further extend their residency and shows a great deal of faith in both the future of the Marina, its management and its audience.'

The Friends of the Marina Theatre recently formed a charitable trust to run the historic venue.

• For concert tickets call 01502 533200 or see www.marinatheatre.co.uk.