Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra announces new residency in Somerset

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has today announced a new residency in Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. The partnership will see the BSO build on its relationship with the Yeovil community, joining the theatre as it gears up for a £29m transformation of the venue.

As part of the new partnership BSO will launch a regular concert series at the venue as well as an outreach programme designed to support music education in Somerset. This will include family-friendly workshops and events as well as a continuation of the orchestra’s BSO On Your Doorstep concert series.

BSO CEO, Dougie Scarfe, said: ‘We’re looking forward to deepening our relationship with communities in Somerset... Bringing music into people’s lives is why we exist, and we remain committed to reaching people who need our music, now more than ever.’

The BSO has built an existing relationship with the Yeovil community with performances at Westlands Entertainment Venue and concerts planned in schools in the area. The Octagon Theatre’s proposed development will increase the venue’s capacity as well as improving acoustics across all the theatre’s spaces. The improvements are expected to be completed in 2025, after which the residency is expected to provide further performances and events.

Councillor Mike Best, chairman of Somerset Council, said: ‘For too long our residents have had to travel outside of Somerset to experience the type of performances and projects that this partnership will bring. Our ambitious and forward-thinking plans to develop The Octagon Theatre into a flagship regional centre of excellence for the arts is already proving to be a catalyst for change with South Somerset designated a ‘Priority Place for Arts Council England.’

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform at The Octagon Theatre on 19 November. You can find more information including tickets here.