NEXT Saturday sees an important milestone for music lovers in the region as the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra commences an historic sixth year of residency at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre.

NEXT Saturday sees an important milestone for music lovers in the region as the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra commences an historic sixth year of residency at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre.

In a major coup for the Marina Theatre, the Orchestra has been resident at the Edwardian venue since 2005. In the five years that they have already held the residency, the association has brought world famous musicians, soloists and conductors to Lowestoft, with the link hailed as one the most successful of its kind throughout the UK.

Theatre manager Martin Halliday said: “We are extremely proud of our association with the RPO and are delighted that they agreed to extend their residency at the Marina. The past few years have enabled us to present some of the finest musicians in the world here on stage in Lowestoft, it is a great honour that the Orchestra agreed to further extend their residency and shows a great deal of faith in both the future of the Marina, its management and audience.”

Tickets are now on sale for the 2010 season with the first concert, a spectacular Beethoven Gala taking place on Saturday, April 24 at 7.30pm.

The programme for the opening concert which is conducted by Dionysios Dervis-Bournias includes Beethoven's Egmont Overture, Piano Concerto No 5 and Symphony No 6 and features soloist Derek Han.

For more information or to secure your seats for this year's season including the opening concert, please call the box office on 01502 533200.