Above: Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor and new Ulster Orchestra Chairman Sir George Bain

The Ulster Orchestra, Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra has formed a unique collaboration with the regions’ premier business representative organisation, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce.

The collaboration will see the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce become the Ulster Orchestra’s business patron. The Ulster Orchestra will in turn become Northern Ireland Chamber’s exclusive cultural partner.  Details of the collaboration were announced today by Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Ann McGregor and the incoming Chairman of the Ulster Orchestra, Sir George Bain.

“Representing over one thousand businesses across the region, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce is committed to the advancement of business and enterprise in Northern Ireland. We have worked with and supported the Ulster Orchestra in a number of events in recent years and I am delighted to announce this relationship is now on a more formal footing with today’s collaboration,” said Ann.

“The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce will become business patron to the Orchestra providing help and support as an when required in what are difficult economic times. The Ulster Orchestra will become our exclusive cultural partner, supporting us in our work across the region.

“Building and sustaining a strong and vibrant cultural offer is crucial for Northern Ireland. Cultural organisations like the Ulster Orchestra set the region apart from others and make this an attractive place to work, to live and to visit. Our two organisations have a proud history and I am confident this new collaboration will set us on a journey to greater success,” she added.

Speaking at the launch, the Orchestra’s incoming Chairman, Professor Sir George Bain said,

“The Orchestra works closely with many of Northern Ireland’s leading businesses who see a richness of opportunity in the orchestral repertoire that assists them in fulfilling their strategic business and community objectives.

“I welcome the partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce as it is an opportunity for the Orchestra to put our relationship on a formal footing and to support the work of the Chamber, as we continue to bring music to a diverse range of audiences across Northern Ireland,” he said.