Who are the Friends of Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra?
Any person or organisation who wishes to show their support of the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra can become a Friend. Many of our Friends have supported us over many years, and their continuing contribution is particularly appreciated.
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Why become a Friend?
Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra is self-funding through membership subscriptions, concert income and support from the Friends. We do not receive any support from local authorities. Support from the Friends is therefore vital in enabling us to perform classical music to a high standard.
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Benefits
A WPO Friend receives the following benefits:
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Newsletters and information updates from the Orchestra
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The option of being named in the concert programmes as a Friend
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£1 discount on a single ticket for each concert when purchased at the Box Office
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Invitations to occasional special functions
How do I become a Friend?
Membership of the Friends is an annually renewable subscription for the October-June concert season.
The suggested contribution is £20 for an individual, a couple or a household, or £40 for a business or commercial enterprise. However, we welcome any contribution from Friends, and these amounts are for guidance only.
Download a membership form here.
​
Who are the Friends of Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra?
Any person or organisation who wishes to show their support of the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra can become a Friend. Many of our Friends have supported us over many years, and their continuing contribution is particularly appreciated.
​
Why become a Friend?
Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra is self-funding through membership subscriptions, concert income and support from the Friends. We do not receive any support from local authorities. Support from the Friends is therefore vital in enabling us to perform classical music to a high standard.
​
Benefits
A WPO Friend receives the following benefits:
-
Newsletters and information updates from the Orchestra
-
The option of being named in the concert programmes as a Friend
-
£1 discount on a single ticket for each concert when purchased at the Box Office
-
Invitations to occasional special functions
How do I become a Friend?
Membership of the Friends is an annually renewable subscription for the October-June concert season.
The suggested contribution is £20 for an individual, a couple or a household, or £40 for a business or commercial enterprise. However, we welcome any contribution from Friends, and these amounts are for guidance only.
Download a membership form here.
​
High quality music making since 1948
Founder Music Director Herbert Lodge
President Alissa Firsova
Music Director Dominic Grier
Assistant Conductor Peter Lewis
Composer in Residence Ansel Chaloner-Hughes
Chorus Master Aedan Kerney MBE

LIFE IN THE WPO
Our members come from all walks of life and are united by a shared love of making music. They come not only from Worthing but across the Sussex area and, in some cases, further afield.
The WPO is among the UK's 'high-standard' non-professional orchestras, and we therefore expect players to be at least Grade 8 level, or above, on any instrument. Our repertoire is vast, covering music from the late Classical period to the present day. Please browse the Repertoire History in our archive pages here to get an idea of our programming.
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Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings, from 19:15 to 21:30, although this is sometimes extended up to 22:00 with advance notice. Full attendance is expected, and woodwind, brass and percussion players are required to arrange deputies if unable to attend. We are extremely fortunate to rehearse each week in our performance venue, the magnificent Grade-II listed Worthing Assembly Hall. A final pre-concert day rehearsal is occasionally added on a Friday evening, with all regular concerts taking place on Sundays, typically at 3pm. There are usually five or six major concerts during a season, with extra public events taking place from time to time.
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The WPO also holds regular 'repertoire development' rehearsals, during which major works are explored (sometimes with guest soloists and conductors), without the pressure of preparing these for concert performance. We also hold conducting workshops, chamber music sessions, and undertake educational projects in collaboration with local schools.
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The WPO is a very welcoming orchestra, and new players have often commented on the warm atmosphere and have made lasting musical friendships quickly. Beyond the tea break, many members choose to socialise after rehearsals and concerts, and there is also an annual Christmas meal.
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MEET THE PLAYERS

**Coming Soon!**