Founder & Musical Director, Mark Andrew James, to retire after 25 years with The Sussex Symphony Orchestra

BRIGHTON, East Sussex, UK, April 16, 2018

The Sussex Symphony Orchestra announces the retirement at the end of the current concert season of popular Musical Director, Mark Andrew James, after 25 years of dedicated service to the Orchestra and music making in the South East.

Since forming the Orchestra in 1993, Mark has provided unparalleled opportunities for musicians in Sussex to perform top class Orchestral repertoire at a high standard whilst at the same time, assisting charities such as the local Martletts Hospice, Save The Children & UNICEF. Under his leadership, the Orchestra has also been able to work with top soloists such as cellist Guy Johnston, violinist Magnus Johnston, pianist John Lill and singers Katherine Jenkins, Aled Jones and Lesley Garrett.

Mark will conduct the current season of concerts including a Gala Puccini concert Cancer which features former Coronation Street star Richard Hawley as “Puccini” in conversation with Sally Taylor from “South Today”.

SSO Chair, Andy Wooler said “Mark has been the mainstay of the SSO from day one and will be sadly missed by us all. But we are pleased to confirm that he will make an annual guest appearance with us following his retirement – this is not the last we will see of him!”

To see Mark and the Orchestra in action during his final season, please visit http://ssomusic.co.uk/events-3/concert-schedule/for concert details and tickets.

Mark has said “It has been an extraordinary journey and one I would not have missed for the world. I am very proud of what we have achieved together during this time. I wish my successor the same success over the next 25 years and look forward to regular guest appearances with the Orchestra for many years to come!”.

A successor has already been identified and we will issue more details on this appointment at a later date.