Ireland's Ulster Orchestra Under 'Severe Financial Pressure'

It has been reported today that one of Northern Ireland's leading artistic organisations, the Ulster Orchestra could face closure within weeks due to 'severe financial pressure'.

It is understood the extent of the cash crisis was revealed at a recent committee meeting, in Belfast – with the predicament attributed to budget cuts and a fall in sponsorship revenue.

"I will be having a meeting with the Ulster Orchestra soon. I have been aware that the Ulster Orchestra has been facing financial difficulties for some time,” Northern Ireland's Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who described the orchestra's position as "scary", has told the Belfast Telegraph.