The sinfonia is desperately short of funds

Members of the New Bristol Sinfonia have stumped up thousands of pounds to ensure a concert vital to the group's survival goes ahead.

The sinfonia - Bristol's largest orchestra - is facing a funding crisis and needs to find at least �15,000 this year to stay afloat.

And the musicians themselves have pledged �5,000 to stage a make-or-break concert.

The orchestra is determined that the concert must go on. Jim Lowe, conductor of the New Bristol Sinfonia

Now they are calling on music lovers to support them by coming along to the concert - which could be their last.

Last month, after the sinfonia's funds dried up, musicians launched an appeal to raise money to keep it alive.

They hope the concert at the city's Victoria Rooms on Saturday 14 June will spark a revival in their fortunes.

Conductor Jim Lowe said: "We held an extraordinary meeting last week and there was universal determination from the orchestra that the concert must go on.

"The fact the solution has come from the orchestra itself demonstrates our commitment and determination to continue playing.

"It is crucial that Saturday's concert is a success which is why we are calling on people everywhere to come along and enjoy some of the finest music ever composed."