The Manchester-based BBC Philharmonic has appointed The Lowry at Salford Quays to lead the marketing of its Bridgewater Hall concerts for the next twelve months.
The Lowry will work closely with the marketing team at the BBC Philharmonic to plan and execute a strategy for the orchestra’s main concert season. The Lowry has already undertaken a number of successful marketing initiatives for the BBC Philharmonic over the past year which has included the introduction of a ticket booking system via Quaytickets, The Lowry’s in-house ticket agency.
The BBC Philharmonic, which is one of the BBC’s five UK orchestras, has just moved to a brand new base at MediaCityUK Salford Quays. It already has close links with the area through its partnership with Salford City Council.
Richard Wigley, General Manager of the BBC Philharmonic comments: “Since opening in 2000 The Lowry has welcomed a myriad of world-class companies to Salford so knows the region’s audiences and their cultural appetites well. From high-profile visits from international companies like The Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet to regular visits from partner companies, National Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Opera North, The Lowry has a proven track record in establishing a strong customer base and good profile for high quality arts events. We are looking forward to harnessing their expertise to build audiences for our distinctive mix of mainstream and innovative programming. “
In its new location the BBC Philharmonic is now just a short walk away from The Lowry, though its main public concert series will remain in Manchester at The Bridgewater Hall.
The move to Salford is part of the BBC’s relocation of major channels and departments out of Manchester and London, including BBC Sport, Breakfast TV, CBBC, BBC Learning and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of The Lowry comments: “We are delighted that the BBC Philharmonic has appointed us for this contract. By working together in the current economic climate, and sharing The Lowry’s marketing and ticketing expertise, we feel we can offer both better value for money and an improved level of marketing and ticketing support, with a view to growing audiences for what is one of the country’s best orchestras”.