Concert group is closing its doors

A Spalding group which brings classical music to the town is closing after almost 40 years.

The South Holland Concerts was established in 1983 with the aim of making live classical music accessible to all.

Over the years some top musicians have been hosted in the town thanks to the organisation and its range of sponsors.

But with dwindling audiences, the decision has been taken to close.

“We have brought top-class professional musicians to Spalding, and they have delighted our audiences over nearly 40 years,” said David Jones who has been involved from the start.

“Our team has secured venues, offered refreshments to performers and audiences, driven performers to and from Peterborough station,” he added.

The largest audience was 199, but that was 20 years ago for pianist Noriko Ogawa and the last event earlier this month was poorly attended.

“Many musicians who played for us in Spalding are members of the nation’s leading orchestras and ensembles.

“They have introduced their works and encouraged children to chat to them in the interval, giving them the chance to see their instruments close up. Each season was carefully planned to cater for all tastes,” said Mr Jones

But the numbers are no longer viable and Mr Jones said the group thanked at the venue providers, Priory School, the Grammar School, the town’s parish church, South Holland Centre and Broad Street Methodist Church.

He added that it would be ‘invidious’ to mention individuals for help as there had been many over the years.

But he said the late Peter Case and his wife Bridget deserved credit as they ‘not only fed the artists, but created such excellent programme notes.’