About the FLSSO
The Friends of the Lancashire Student Symphony Orchestras, formed in 1975 and becoming Registered Charity in 1981, supports both the Lancashire Youth Symphony Orchestra (LYSO) and the Lancashire Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO).
We organize additional concerts each year for the Orchestras to demonstrate their talents, and hold other events to raise money to assist parents with the ever increasing costs of musical education.
The Friends Council
The 'Friends' is managed by a group of dedicated supporters comprising of parents, friends, members of the orchestras management team and officers from Lancashire Music Service - known as 'The Friends Council'.
The Friends always welcome additional assistance from individuals to sit on "The Friends Council". If you feel you can spare the time, please contact our Chairman Mark Gilmartin on 01257 269580.
Where the money goes
The Friends have a scheme to assist in the purchase of a new or better instrument.
The Scholarship/Bursary awards are intended to finance young musicians who wish to further there musical education by attending specialized courses, master classes etc. They are available to members of both Orchestras.
The friends also help subside courses and tours.
LSSO Sponsorship scheme
The sponsorship scheme for the LSSO will, we hope, enable them to provide more public performances. This is one way that grandparents, aunts and uncles can be associated with their young relative, at a cost that is no more than the average combined birthday and Christmas present.
If you are already a Sponsor, then we thank you sincerely for your generosity and we hope you will continue to enjoy your association the Orchestras.
Extended membership
For an annual subscription of £6 (single) or £12 (family), the Friends operate an extended membership scheme which offers discounts on orchestra CDs, Friends' merchandise and music from 2 music shops together with a free programme for Friends' concerts. Please ring Mark Gilmartin on 01257 269580 for further details and an application form.
Sponsorship of the Orchestras
The Friends are always interested to hear from individuals, businesses, and organizations who are willing to sponsor concerts performed by the LYSO and/or the LSSO. You may be interested in sponsoring a 'chair' in the orchestra, or even an instrument! For more information, please call our Vice-President Margaret Birtle on 01254 852883