THE Merseyside public rallied around Royal Liverpool Philharmonic conductor Gerard Schwarz on Saturday night after orchestra members voted for his contract not to be renewed.
 A confident Mr Schwarz was returning to the rostrum at the Philharmonic Hall for the first time since the rebellion by orchestra players was revealed last week. The members voted against the 57-year-old music director's contract being renewed when it comes up for renewal in 2006. But Mr Schwarz appears to have the support of the paying public as record crowds turned up to see him conducting the Liverpool Young Musician of the Year contest. "This has been a triumph for Liverpool," said Roger Lewis, Philharmonic chairman and managing director of Classic FM. "Everyone rose to the occasion, not only the five gifted soloists but also the musical director, Gerard Schwarz, and the orchestra themselves." But during the gala occasion, Philharmonic bosses were highly visible, attempting to allay fears for the future of the organisation following what has become a fraught dispute. A Philharmonic spokeswoman: "We have received dozens of calls of support from both Philharmonic concert-goers and general members of the public." "We've had our biggest audience ever for this competition. That could be down to the controversy of the last few days." The start of Saturday's concert was delayed as staff sold extra tickets to people who turned up on the night to hear the event. Members of the largely young audience were highly supportive of Schwarz. "It's ridiculous," said one, who wished to remain anonymous. "I couldn't help looking round the orchestra wondering which way each member had voted." Michael Elliott, RLP chief executive, said: "There has been a positive reception for Gerry. "A mid-term review is absolutely normal and players are feeding in to that," he added. "Their views have been very positive. Audience levels are rising and finances are under control." | 
