As the newly designated Orchestra and Chorus in Residence at CedarBridge Academy, the Bermuda Philharmonic Society has instituted a special subscription plan whereby supporters may "own'' their seats at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts throughout its 1999-2000 season.

For prices ranging from $80 to $1,000, patrons can purchase various packages, or"levels'' for a season, which will give them a variety of perks in addition to their tickets.

While $80 covers a single ticket for three performances, plus opening night reception and quarterly newsletter, $1,000 includes orchestra seating for three performances, an opening concert reception and quarterly newsletter, plus `Musically Speaking' lectures, a Classical Lawn Party, priority seating at the annual Pops Concert, and an Octet Champagne Brunch.

Dubbed Solo, Duet, Quartet and Octet, each "level'' (package) relates to a specific seating area of the auditorium.

"The new subscription series offers a more effective way of promoting the Society's concerts when compared to selling tickets for each individual performance,'' Society president, Mr. Gerald Simons, explains.

He notes, however, that those who do not wish to participate in the subscription plan will still be able to purchase tickets at the door before each performance. Seating will, of course, be what is available after subscribers have had their pick.

Brochures containing the subscription forms have been mailed out to Society members, while others are being distributed to various outlets around the Island.

In Hamilton these include: the offices of Argus Insurance and Capital G; all branches of the Bank of Bermuda; all music stores including Opus One, and The Harbourmaster. Subscription forms are also available from Society members, and may be requested by faxing 234-3327 or leaving a message on the Society's voice mail: 291-6690. In addition, they can be clipped from advertisements running in The Royal Gazette .

Subscriptions may be ordered by: 1. Mailing the completed forms to The Bermuda Philharmonic Society, P.O.Box HM 552; faxing them to (441) 234-3327; or delivering them by hand to Capital G Centre, 25 Reid Street, which is open Monday to Saturday. Payment is by cash, cheque or credit card, as appropriate.

Subscribers are asked to note that the deadline for receiving completed applications is October 15.

All requests for seating assignments will be made in the order in which they are received.

For safety reasons, tickets will not be mailed out, but may be picked up from Capital G Centre one week prior to each concert, or from the subscribers' ticket table at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for Performing Arts one hour prior to each performance.

The Philharmonic's 1999-2000 season, under the leadership of its new director, Mr. Gary Burgess, promises to be an exciting one.

The first concert, An Evening of Serenades , on October 30, will highlight the Orchestra, and include music by Mozart, Tchaikowsky, Vaughan Williams (featuring 16 of Bermuda's own soloists), and Brahams.

The second, a salute to Christmas music on December 12, will include Britten's St. Nicholas, and feature the Philharmonic Chorus, the St. John's Youth Choir and the Cathedral Boys Choir, as well as familiar carols for all.

The April 8, 2000 concert will be in honour of the late Lord Menuhin, and include requiems by Faure and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Finally, the summer Pops concerts in St. George's and at Dockyard will embrace music from Broadway and the movies.

"We are looking to go forth in the next century with strength and artistic integrity so that we may meet the needs of our citizenry,'' is how Mr. Burgess describes the Philharmonic's plans.

"Leave your TV and couch for a season of live entertainment that will enrich our lives for this very important millennium year,'' he urges.

Gary Burgess: Time to leave the TV and couch for a season of live entertainment