The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) held their annual general meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28, and announced many successes over the past year.
Maestra Rosemary Thomson has renewed her contract for five more years. “I am really excited to continue to be a part of the magic on stage that your professional orchestra brings each concert,” commented Thomson.
This year Robert Barr joined the Okanagan Symphony as executive director. “I am pleased to be a part of the arts here in the Okanagan and to work with our musicians and community. I am grateful for the wonderful community support of the OSO and I look forward to growing those relationships” stated Barr.
The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra received a number of grants over the past year, all which contribute to the success of the OSO, including
• BC Arts Council Capacity & Sustainability a grant of $30,000 which was secured to support the engagement of a new Education & Outreach co-ordinator;
• BC Arts Council Youth Engagement Program a grant of $49,600 which is supported various education initiatives;
• a three-year operating grant from Canada Council and
• significant support from the City of Kelowna, City of Penticton and the Regional District of North Okanagan.
“These grants are contributing to the growth of our organization as we aim to provide live orchestral music to the communities we serve,” said Ginette Williams, president Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.
At the AGM the following were elected as the new board of directors executive:
Ginette Williams, president;
Anna-Hunt Binkley, vice-president;
John Bailey, treasurer;
Tracey Read , secretary;
and directors Leona Baxter, Anne-Marie Kanester, Harriet Rogan and Roger Tilstra.
Treasurer John Bailey commented on the need for community support: “Forty-five per cent of our annual revenue comes from ticket sales for our events, we rely very much on grants, individual donor support and corporate sponsorships such as Deloitte and TD. We invite those interested in supporting the Okanagan Symphony Society to join the OSO family through making a donation. All donations receive a tax receipt along with additional benefits determined by the donation amount.”
Those interested in becoming a supporter of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra are invited to contact the OSO office at 250.763.7544 or admin@okanagansymphony.com.
The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is the third largest professional Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia; entertaining residents of the Okanagan Valley and visitors from around the globe with symphonic music since 1960. To learn more about the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra visit their website at www.okanagansymphony.com or follow at www.twitter.com/OKSymponyOrch orwww.facebook.com/OkanaganSymphonyOrchestra. See it, Hear it, Love it!
