South Coast Partnerships
At the London Philharmonic Orchestra, we’re dedicated to expanding our reach and deepening our community connections along England's South Coast. Beyond our performances at Brighton Dome and Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre, we’re partnering with local arts organisations, charities and community groups to share the transformative power of music. Come and check out what we’re doing on the South Coast – through collaboration and creativity, we’re building lasting relationships and enriching lives across the region.
What we’re up to on the South Coast
With 600 members from across West Sussex, the dynamic Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra showcases the incredible musical talent of its community. Mainly comprised of passionate amateur and semi-professional players, the group occasionally welcomes support from LPO musicians during rehearsals. Twice a season, they collaborate with LPO players for rehearsals, where we support their music-making with sectionals or tutti sessions, guided by their inspiring Music Director. It’s all about enhancing their already fantastic performances and celebrating the power of local talent!
At Age Concern Eastbourne’s Day Club, members come together to socialise, create, and enjoy life. From crafts to games and lunch, this vibrant hub supports individuals of all abilities, including those living with dementia or mental health challenges. To add a special touch, we bring live music to their afternoons! With a mix of classical and easy listening, these 45-minute performances followed by friendly interaction create meaningful moments of joy.
AudioActive is a pioneering music charity that champions young people through hip hop and contemporary music, opening creative pathways for those who might otherwise be excluded from the arts.
Through their Emerge programme, ten rising artists work closely with LPO musicians to create and record new material – learning how to collaborate with live players and push their sound beyond sampling. The programme culminates in a performance, bringing our players and the young artists together on stage on the South Coast.
While the Regis Centre in Bognor Regis undergoes renovations, we’re thrilled to join their 2 O’Clock Club initiative! These 45-minute concerts, followed by audience meet-and-greets, help keep their community engaged while introducing us to Bognor audiences. This partnership builds relationships now and sets the stage for future collaborations when the theatre reopens. Stay tuned for more!
Shinewater Disabled Trust, based in Eastbourne, provides a live-in facility that offers crucial support to individuals with disabilities. This incredible organisation creates a nurturing environment where residents can thrive, and they’re eager to explore creative collaborations beyond just performance. Our initial chamber performance served as a meaningful introduction, allowing our players and the LPO to build an awareness and appreciation for the valuable work that they do. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and exploring future opportunities together.
Langney Shopping Centre, in a quieter part of Eastbourne with limited transport links, is a community hub that thrives on bringing people together. We have returned for our second year of bringing Christmas carols to this vibrant area, spreading festive joy to a community with limited access to live music. It’s become a cherished tradition, and we hope to make it a yearly celebration for years to come.
Soundcastle is an inspiring organisation using music-making to support mental health recovery and combat social isolation.
Our ongoing partnership includes supporting their regular Lab Day sessions, where small groups of adults come together to write, improvise and explore new musical ideas. LPO musicians join side by side, building bonds through shared creativity, performing together and recording new material with participants.
Carousel Chorus is a disability-led arts collective supporting learning-disabled artists to create and perform.
Together with Wakehurst Gardens, the Chorus are developing four original songs inspired by nature and mindfulness. Our players join them across workshops and recording sessions this season, blending soundscapes from the gardens with live performance. The songs will be recorded and displayed throughout Wakehurst, with the project culminating in a public performance and a short film documenting the creative journey.
Some of our partnerships in action
Age Concern Eastbourne's Day Club
Carousel Chorus at Wakehurst Gardens
Rehearsing with Soundcastle
The London Philharmonic Orchestra's activities with South Coast communities 2025/26 are generously supported by Garfield Weston Foundation, TIOC Foundation, donors to the LPO’s Arts for Impact Big Give campaign and Folkington's.
