OnThursday 2nd December the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, attended a fund-raising chamber concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
West Midlands philanthropist, John Osborn CBE, brought musicians from City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to Shrewsbury to raise funds for the Churches Conservation Trust’s restoration of St. Mary’s Church.
CBSO string players performed Brahms’ Sextet in G Major and tickets included wine and a local cheese and charcuterie platter by Shrewsbury indoor market residents, Iron & Rose, who paired wine with the repertoire for the evening.
Both the CBSO and St. Mary’s Church are close to John’s heart. John is one of the CBSO’s major donors and is also responsible for boosting the campaign to restore and save the internationally important stained-glass collection at St. Mary’s which has sadly seen extensive damage due to anti-social behaviour. John has pledged to match any new donations pound for pound up to a value of £50,000 to go towards the stained-glass restoration costs.
Commenting on this fundraising concert John said, ‘it was a great pleasure to hear CBSO musicians, some of the best in the world, perform at St. Mary’s and share the exceptional musicianship of the CBSO with the people of Shrewsbury and Shropshire, whilst raising funds to ensure the future of St. Mary’s.’