Orchestra wins £20m sponsorship

The orchestra will move to the new BBC base in Salford

Salford City Council has announced a £20m sponsorship deal with the prestigious BBC Philharmonic orchestra.

The partnership has been formed as the orchestra prepares to move from its current base at Manchester's Broadcasting House to Salford Quays.

The BBC Philharmonic will move with the rest of the city's BBC staff to its new Salford base, mediacity:uk, by 2011.

In the meantime, it will work with the council, Salford Music Service (MAPAS) and schools on various music projects.

The council said the partnership will create new opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills and career aspirations, and get involved in classical music.

It will nurture talent, seeing Salford children aspiring to musical careers Councillor John Merry

It will also help raise the profile of the city, both nationally and internationally.

Councillor John Merry, leader of Salford City Council, said: "Many prominent British cities have an orchestra they can call their own and now Salford is joining that prestigious list.

"The partnership will create incredible opportunities for children in the city that will otherwise not be available.

"It will nurture talent, seeing Salford children aspiring to musical careers and will shape future generations of orchestra players and audiences."

Richard Wigley, General Manager of the BBC Philharmonic, said: "We look forward to creating inspirational musical experiences with the people of Salford across the city and in our brilliant new studio at mediacity:uk."