THE chief executive of the world-renowned Bournemouth Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has accepted an Honorary Fellowship from Arts University Bournemouth.

The award cements the continuing firm partnership between the two institutions which both date back to the late 19th century.

In a speech to graduates at this year's degree awarding ceremony, Mr Scarfe spoke of the power of the next generation as a force for good.

He cited the example of 24-year old Dan Godfrey, the ambitious young conductor who established the BSO in 1893, attracting the world’s leading talent town.

The roots of AUB go back to 1880.

Mr Scarfe added: “It reminds me daily that when you invest in the young not only do good things happen, but new generations show the way forward to new and better things.

"I have every confidence that your generation will keep up the charge. My ask of you is that like Dan Godfrey, you continue to advocate and demand that future generations have such opportunity.”

He also emphasised the importance of partnerships, celebrating the relationship with AUB and the collaborative way in which organisations work together to ensure the creative arts reach the widest number.

The two institutions have welcomed the giants of the arts world to the region for over 125 years: from Edward Elgar, Henry Wood and Dame Ethel Smyth, to the stars of today including conductors Kirill Karabits and Marta Gardolińska, Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz), and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire).

The BSO recently announced its 2019/20 season, during which the Venezuelan pianist and Latin Grammy winner Gabriela Montero will be Artist-in-Residence.

In January that the BSO and AUB, alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, Bournemouth University, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts and Arts Council England (ACE), launched a public Cultural Enquiry.

It will look at the role that culture plays in people’s lives and the opportunity for a long-term cultural vision at the heart of communities in the new City Region covering Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole (BCP) and is set to report in September.