It took just three months into the 2014-15 season for the orchestra to exceed its target of £50,000.

Musicians from the orchestra launched its first ever Players’ Appeal in September following government funding cuts of 24 per cent since 2010.

The intial target was to raise £50,000 to ensure the continued excellence and good work of the orchestra in the city.

More than 750 donations were received, meaning the average donation was £80.

Simon Fairclough, CBSO director of development, said: “With pressures on the public purse becoming ever more acute the need for support from private donors and funders is set to grow year by year.”

Within the first week alone £25,000 had been raised after players made personal appeals to audiences at their concerts. Supporters also held bucket collections during intervals and after performances and a Just Giving page was flooded with support.

One supporter commented saying: “A jewel in Birmingham’s crown that should not be lost under any circumstances.”

Mark Phillips, chairman of the CBSO Players’ Committee, thanked the loyal supporters and friends for the generous donations to the appeal.

He said: “Your help and kindness will ensure we at the CBSO will further our ambitions into the future for our great Symphony Orchestra.”

The orchestra performs 130 concerts a year both in the city and abroad. It is also involved with developing future musical talent through its six choirs and youth orchestra.

Mr Fairclough added: “The support will help us to continue to offer artistic excellence at home in Birmingham and beyond.”

The money raised will support three priority areas of its work including keynote concerts.

It will also support the CBSO Youth Orchestra, Youth Chorus and Children’s Chorus and finally the War Requiem, a four-year major community project in Perry Barr which brings together young people with residents in local care homes to commemorate the First World War centenary through music.