The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra has been successful in securing pledges exceeding £70,000, thereby ensuring its 2013-14 season under music director Barry Wordsworth can go ahead as planned.

The orchestra launched an urgent fundraising campaign to raise the amount several weeks ago, after difficult economic times had cast its new season in doubt. Founded in 1925 by Herbert Menges, the BPO, which relies solely on donations and ticket sales, had seen a reduction in the number of legacies received over the past few years.

‘It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that we had an excellent response to our appeal and have secured over £70,000 in pledges, which means the Brighton Philharmonic will continue and we can present the 2013-14 season as published,’ said chairman Karen Platt. ‘I would like to thank each of you who contributed towards making this happen, and regardless of how much you donated you can be proud to be a part of saving the orchestra for future generations of music lovers.’

The orchestra is still accepting donations through its website, brightonphil.org.uk. The new season begins on October 6 with an all-Beethoven programme.