Rousing launch for partnership with London Phoenix Orchestra
Written by David Worsfold on 07th December 2023
The launch of the Company’s partnership as Livery sponsor of the London Phoenix Orchestra got off to a rousing start at a packed St Andrew’s, Holborn last night.
The Insurance Orchestral Society, which runs the orchestra, is marking its centenary and its annual Christmas concert launched a year of celebrations.
Master Claire Burrell said the partnership with the orchestra was a perfect synergy:
“The Phoenix Orchestra’s roots are firmly within our insurance profession and when first established it was a way for individuals who shared a passion for music to get together. In the Livery world we like to call this Fellowship and that is one of our cornerstones.
“Several of our Liverymen and Freemen already support and play in the orchestra so it only seemed fitting that the Worshipful Company of Insurers is now extending that collaboration across our common foundation of insurance.”
Alan Grant, the orchestra’s chairman, welcomed the WCI:
“The Insurance Orchestral Society is always looking to build new relationships with City Liveries supporting the financial services sector and this is the first of what we hope will be a new era of relationships with the City’s Livery companies.”
The audience enjoyed a top quality programme of music by Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov, Arthur Wood, including the theme for The Archers, and Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, which brought the audience to its feet in appreciation.
There were also some traditional carols for everyone to join in with.
The Insurance Orchestral Society
The Insurance Orchestral Society was founded in 1924 by Harold Rawlinson ‘to provide the hard-working men and women of the insurance industry with an opportunity to meet regularly and enjoy playing music together.’ This fundamental enthusiasm for music and friendly ethos remains at the heart of the orchestra’s purpose to this day. While the orchestra may have grown and changed over the years, it is proud to retain strong links to the insurance industry and provide its many workers with the chance to further their love of music.
Under the baton of Levon Parikian, the London Phoenix Orchestra is now regarded as one of London’s finest amateur orchestras. It gives regular concerts at some of the capital’s top venues including St John’s, Smith Square and Cadogan Hall.
The next concert will be on 27 February at St John’s Smith Square and will feature George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
