A city orchestra and chorus has been given a financial boost with a Norfolk law firm being announced as its new sponsor.

Norwich Philharmonic Society is receiving a substantial four-figure sum in sponsorship from Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers which has offices in Norwich and across Norfolk. The new funding – which means the orchestra and choir can keep concert ticket prices down – comes after the law firm sponsored Norwich Philharmonic's Elgar concert last December because Elgar was a friend of Hansells' partner Walter Hansell and a client of the firm.

Launching the new sponsorship at St Andrew's Hall, Roger Holden, Hansells' managing partner, praised the Norwich Evening News and sister paper the EDP's coverage of the December concert and link between the law firm and Elgar, and he said this played a part the firm deciding to offer further sponsorship.

He said: 'We all thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The response from the public, orchestra, guests and the media was so overwhelming Hansells have now decided to sponsor the Norwich Philharmonic.'

Hugh Lansdell, Hansells Aylsham partner, added: 'We are honoured to be able to support such an historic and integral part of the county's culture.'

Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus started in 1841. Its members are from across Norfolk and on average it has between 65 and 75 musicians and up to 120 singers.

Caroline Dixey, Norwich Philharmonic Society chairman, said: 'We are so delighted that Hansells have decided to sponsor Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. Sponsorship is very important to us as it helps us underpin the work that goes into the concert season. We are glad to have Hansells support to allow us to achieve our artistic ambitions.'

Norwich Philarmonic's new concert season starts at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich with Holst's The Planets on November 10 and ends with Elgar's The Apostles on March 16. Other performances will include Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2, Dvorak's Symphony No. 7, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and Mahler's Symphony No. 1.

Norwich Philharmonic's top price concert tickets remain at �16. Students and under-26s can go to a concert for �5.

Tickets for Norwich Philharmonic's friends and benefactors go on sale on Monday and on general sale on Monday, August 6. To book call Prelude Records on 01603 628319.

For more information visit www.norwichphil.org.uk

Are you involved in a new arts project? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk