Philharmonic Report Was To Be Expected

Published on: 23 Apr, 2012
Updated on: 23 Apr, 2012

From Bernard Parke

Hon Alderman

I am not surprised by the report. In fact, I feel it was to be expected once the traditional home of the concerts, the old Civic Hall, was demolished and the new G Live was built for mainly outside commercial ventures. I am told that these are helped by a generous contribution from the council tax payer.

The Civic Hall was built specifically for Guildford’s own orchestra for music known known as The Crossly Clitheroe Concerts.

We had the support of many great resident conductors such as Vernon Handley and Sir Charles Groves.
No other borough cold match Guildford’s contribution. What is more for many Guildfordians an introduction to classical music.

When I was Mayor I was so embarrassed by the other town’s so called concerts that I invited all the Surrey mayors to Guildford to show them what could be achieved. Classical music for all at bargain priced rates.
I suppose it was to be expected that whereas the old Civic Hall was virtually a Borough Hall, mainly for home ground entertainment, the G Live centre is not.

How long will it be the the Yvonne Arnaud is under threat? The theatre was never intended to be a cash spinner but as with the Civic Hall to provide quality entertainment, regardless of cost, for Guildfordians.