Alasdair McGregorThe head of the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has revealed its talented musicians want to continue performing in Lowestoft despite wprries over their future in the town.Alasdair McGregor

The head of the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has revealed its talented musicians want to continue performing in Lowestoft despite wprries over their future in the town.

The Marina Theatre announced a major coup in 2005 when the RPO agreed to take up residency there but fears were raised earlier this year that this season's performances could be the last.

Theatre bosses admitted the impact of the economic recession could make it difficult for the orchestra to return next year.

But RPO managing director Ian Maclay has offered a glimmer of hope that this year's Marina residency - one of only two venues outside London - will not be the last.

He said: 'The essence of the RPO means we are a big international orchestra that is valued across the world but we feel the involvement of the Marina and the people of Lowestoft are equally important.

'We are only too pleased to come back each year and if the good people of Lowestoft come along, as they have done in the past four years and in the two concerts so far this year, we hope this can continue.'

The RPO's third concert of this season takes place on Friday and will provide a special treat for fans of musicals. Conducted by Nick Davies, with special guest soloists, there will be music from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Berlin and Porter.

The RPO will head to Germany next month before embarking on a European tour that takes in Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium and Romania prior to the Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall and a major tour of Japan in September.

It is then back to Lowestoft on October 9 before the final concert in the series on November 14.

Mr Maclay added: 'We hope locals will support the rest of the series. Times are very tough but we are doing all we can to make it work with different programmes and through the support of the East Anglian people we hope this association will continue for the foreseeable future.

'We are working in local schools and our players really enjoy doing that. We hope that in Lowestoft there is a sense of belonging in the town associated with the RPO and we hope that people feel that this is their orchestra.

'It is a great honour to be asked to perform across the world and while the players themselves are living out of a suitcase, we do find that the orchestra loves to play in Lowestoft.'

t To book tickets, call the theatre box office on 01502 533200.