The Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra makes a unique contribution to the musical life of the region. It attracts players from a wide area and continues to develop with an ever more varied repertoire. As a non-professional orchestra it consists of players who are united by one principle, namely a love of music-making, and the sharing of that love with our audiences.

A sign of the orchestra's success is that it now thrives without the financial support of the Borough, quite unthinkable for a professional orchestra. Yet, we perform works that a municipal professional orchestra, based in a town of modest size could not envisage staging because of sheer expense. Examples of such works are our performances of Mahler's Second and Sixth Symphonies. In 2002 and 2004, and of symphonic works by Nielsen and Rachmaninov. It is particularly gratifying tha the necessary 'extra' players have flocked to participate in these works. We have not 'bought them in'!

Any successful artistic organisation owes a debt to its traditions and to former members. Herbert Lodge, Worthing's Music Director from 1935, was the inspiration behind the launch of the Citizens' Orchestra in 1948 and its development with two subsequent Music Directors, James Kershaw (1954-1967) and Jan Cervenka (1968-1996). In recent years the repertoire has expanded to include many works from the twentieth century, particularly under the guidance of the previous Music Director, Robin Page. The Orchestra has embraced young musicians of the area, particularly the pupils of Boundstone Community College and many highly talented local soloists.

We are delighted to use Worthing's cultural centre, the Assembly Hall, for our rehearsals and concerts. The committee has continued to press for WPO to be seen as an integral part of the musical life of the town. We feel certain that the excellence which is a hallmark of so many performances in Worthing will be cherished by all music lovers. To that end, the Orchestra has established itself as a self-governing charity, truly dedicated to the musical well-being of the community.