Can you suggest a new name for the Lancashire Sinfonietta?

The orchestra, which was established 13 years ago and in March welcomed Alfie Boe for a hometown performance in Fleetwood, has made the move 'in efforts to become more inclusive and to promote classical music more widely'.

The orchestra comprises over 80 'home-grown' musicians, sourced from orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Hallé.

Richard Hooper, executive chair of the Lancashire Sinfonietta, explained what prompted the move: 'We recently hosted a committee discussion to start looking at how we develop and promote both the Sinfonietta and classical music more widely, both locally and nationally, across age groups. Then someone round the table (a long-time Sinfonietta supporter) stuttered as he said the word "Sinfonietta" and got the vowels the wrong way round. We looked at each other and said "maybe we should stop talking about logos and go back to the name itself."'

Fiona Sinclair, the orchestra's general manager, added: 'The word "Sinfonietta" means small symphony orchestra, usually less than 35 people. However, our box office tells us that 95 per cent of people will do anything to avoid saying Sinfonietta when booking tickets. This feedback has really upset us, as we're a professional community orchestra who see ourselves as one of the most accessible orchestras in the country.'

The orchestra is now inviting the public to suggest or vote for alternatives on its website, with options including the Red Rose Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Lancashire, Lancashire Ensemble, Red Rose Orchestra, Red Rose Ensemble and Red Rose Orchestra of Lancashire.

http://www.lancs-sinf.com/whatsinaname.php

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