Councillor Margaret Toner at the launch of 24th Ayr Concert Series.
In a unique partnership between the local authority and the voluntary sector, South Ayrshire Council and Ayr Arts Guild this week launched the 24th Ayr Concert Series of orchestral evenings in Ayr Town Hall.
There will be six concerts given by three of Scotland's major Orchestras - three by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, two by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and a welcome return visit by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Speaking at the launch of the Ayr Concert Series Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: "As a singer myself I am particularly pleased to see there are also three sopranos and a tenor taking part this season.
"Ayr Arts Guild now arranges the concerts for us in the remarkable partnership which began in 1987 and has been going strong for 24 years. Over the years we have heard many talented artists including James Galway, Evelyn Glennie, John Wallace, Steven Isserlis, Christine Cairns, Heinrich Schiff, Rolf Hind and Nicola Benedetti.
"Gradually the Guild has taken on more and more responsibility, now co-ordinating concert dates and matching availability of hall and orchestras. We as a Council provide facilities for advance ticket sales and basic data collection, the Guild provides volunteers on concert nights to steward the cloakroom, run the box office, sell programmes, check tickets, and organise the interval refreshments."
The Series attracts investment from Enterprise Music Scotland with funds provided by Creative Scotland and support from South Ayrshire Council.
Last season average attendance was up 15%, which is testament to the success of the partnership working. Audience feedback postcards also confirm the success of the joint venture with comments such as: SCO on top form; what a treat – a perfect evening; an excellent concert with the added bonus of hearing Nicola in Ayr; great to have a full house; terrific concert; what a feast of musical entertainment; very happy evening; stunning soprano; the BBC SSO was in good form and the soloist impressive.
In what promises to be one of the best seasons yet in Ayr Town Hall, the impressive line-up of international musicians includes the British conductors Stephen Bell, Nicholas Kok and Rory Macdonald, Frencesco Corti from Italy, Mei-Ann Chen from Taiwan and Robert Levin from America. Soloists include sopranos Sarah Redgwick, Gillian Keith from Canada and Malin Christensson from Sweden, tenor Jamie MacDougall, and violinists Anthony Moffat, and Veronika Eberle from Bavaria. The popular Christmas Classics and New Year in Vienna concerts are back, too.
Season tickets for the 24th Ayr Concert Series are now on sale by post form Ayr Citadel, South Harbour Street, Ayr, KA7 1JB and single tickets will be available from Monday 30 August. Brochures containing details of all concerts in the Ayr Concert Series 2010/11 are available in local libraries, leisure centres and tourist information centres.