THE Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's latest concert was livestreamed from Poole to the corridors of powers - thanks to MP Jessica Toale.
Fairytales and Folklore at the BSO's home venue Lighthouse on Wednesday evening saw the emotional return of former chief conductor, Kirill Karabits who stepped down from the role in 2024 after 15 years.
The Bournemouth West MP, Ms Toale arranged for the livestream to be played to a group of MPs and Peers in Parliament to showcase the world-renowned orchestra's work.
Karabits was joined by soloist Ksenija Sidorova who plays the classical accordion and the programme included Tchaikovsky's Francesca di Rimini, Vaclav Trojan's Fairytales and Mozart's The Magic Flute.
BSO chief executive, Dougie Scarfe, addressed the audience and said: "We are thrilled to be able to showcase the incredible culture going on here on the south coast thanks to the combination of public and private funding. Our sincere thanks to Jessica Toale and her team."
Ms Toale told the Echo: “It is a real privilege to have cultural institutions like the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in BCP and to be able to champion their work.
"I share the BSO’s commitment to bringing music to a diverse audiences. So I was delighted to host a livestream of the BSO’s fairy tales and folklore performance in Parliament this week.
"It was a valuable opportunity for MPs and Peers to come together and appreciate the transformative impact of music on our communities, and showcase the excellence of our local orchestra.
"I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to supporting arts and culture including in our schools and communities - and I will continue to champion Bournemouth cultural and creative leadership.”
Karabits - from Ukraine, continues his association with the BSO as conductor laureate and artistic director, Voices from the East.
Last year in an interview with the Echo he said he had found the greatest love and support from the BSO and the people of Poole over the invasion of his homeland.
Launched during the pandemic, the BSO's livestream series continues today, connecting thousands of people each year who would otherwise miss the opportunity to experience live music, often due to ill health or rural isolation.
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