Colin Wilkins, Leader of the Portsmouth Philharmonic, bowed out after his last concert, having been involved in the orchestra from its formation in 2009.
A packed programme featured Bruch's double concerto for clarinet and viola, which featured soloists Rob Blanken and Catherine Lawlor (pictured above), who Colin had arranged to play in the concert.
The event raised around £500 for the Spark Community Space in Portsmouth and Colin explained afterwards why he had joined the orchestra.
He said: “This is a special occasion because 17 years ago Dr Anne White asked me to take an interest in this orchestra which she was hoping to form.
“She said the objective was to raise money for medical charities and other organisations in the Portsmouth area. Over time we’ve helped quite a number of people and I’m told the amount we’ve raised in that time is almost £26,000.”
The orchestra's next concert is on Saturday June 27 (7pm) at the Stubbington Community Centre, where the programme will see soprano Jennifer Parker-Lummis join the orchestra again in a programme entitled A Journey Beyond Imagination'.
Photo: Colin Farmery