The Portsmouth Philharmonic handed over a cheque for £850 to Pompey in the Community at Fratton Park on Saturday, ahead of Pompey’s big match with Northampton.
At its December concert, which celebrated the 125th anniversary season of the club, the orchestra premiered the Pompey ‘Overture’, composed by conductor Hugh Carpenter, in the club’s honour. He presented the cheque with Orchestra Chair Di Lloyd to Pompey midfielder Terry Devlin, accompanied by CEO Clare Martin and Jodie Anthony from PitC.
A bumper attendance at the concert of almost 100 raised the amount through ticket sales and a raffle on the day including a signed Pompey shirt.
And for Hugh, it was his first time back at Fratton Park since 1960, when he saw his previous and only other game as a ten-year-old boy.
Di, a season ticket holder at Pompey herself, said: “We were really pleased with the amount we raised and it was a great experience to present the cheque on the pitch. And after Pompey’s 4-1 win, Hugh can come again. He’s clearly a good luck charm.”
Clare Martin, CEO at PitC, added: “We're thrilled to receive this donation from the orchestra. The 125th anniversary concert was amazing and the Pompey overture Hugh composed for the occasion set the seal on a great day."
The orchestra’s next concert is on Sunday March 24 (3pm) at the Church of the Resurrection in Drayton, and will feature soloist Catherine Lawlor performing Kabalevsky’s Violin Concerto in C Major.
Tickets are on sale priced £10 for adults - more details of the concert can be found by clicking here.
The orchestra is supported by Bishops Printers