The orchestra, which was founded 35 years ago, is one of the largest performance groups in the Island and has struggled to find alternative venues for its three annual concerts when the Fort’s Gloucester Hall has been out of action.
Larger events, combining the orchestra with choirs, have involved more than 100 participants, while the JSO’s regular orchestral concerts are too large for spaces such as the Opera House. Turning to these venues would require a reduction in the number of players, which they say would limit the choice of music.
Last week, Assistant Economic Development Minister Hugh Raymond indicated that the Fort was likely to be used more as an entertainment and cultural venue in the future with sports clubs and activities being moved elsewhere
JSO president Nick Cabot said that they had not been told of the intention to maintain the Fort as a concert venue but that the orchestra would be ‘very positive’ about such plans.
‘We have made every effort to explore alternatives to the Fort and we are going to have to use alternatives for however many years it takes to redevelop it. We will have to use places like the [RJA&HS] showground and possibly a couple of schools in the interim.
‘But, if there is any sort of plan and there does now seem to be a positive move forward, we would hope that any large, new venue is going to be built, partly at least, with the JSO in mind,’ he said.
Last year Mr Cabot made submissions to the Jersey Development Company consultation on the Waterfront, arguing that the redevelopment should include a suitable performance space if Fort Regent was no longer available.
‘The Waterfront submissions were a blueprint for what we all need and want – and particularly the JSO – which is why I wrote them as I did. Whether it is for the Waterfront or elsewhere, the same thing stands. We want a multi-functional space to be the best for the Island,’ he added.
