Farewell to the orchestra

We hope it is not a final farewell, but today the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra played its last concert and received a long standing ovation. The funds have dried up, and the National Lottery which has always sponsored the orchestra has not come up with any money for next year.
The sad thing is that the wonderful outreach programme to disadvantaged children will also come to an end. About 250 children have been given the chance to learn how to play musical instruments and appreciate music. 25 teachers have helped make this project an enormous success. But when the new school year opens there will be no music. The ever popular start to the year - Concert in the Park -will not happen.
The musicians and conductor today played for no fee and the university offered their auditorium free of charge.
It's a sad situation - we just have to hope the funds will become available at some stage. Hubby T is sad tonight - he loves playing the double bass in the orchestra....