Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Has Another Successful Year

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) held its annual general meeting this week and while it has been a challenging year, the organization is going strong.

The OSO received a number of grants which helped contribute to the Symphony’s success in 2014, including a BC Arts Council Capacity and Sustainability grant worth $30,000.

“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.

Meanwhile, Maestra Rosemary Thomson has renewed her contract with the company for five more years and Robert Barr joined the Symphony as Executive Director.

Maestra Rosemary Thomson (Photo Credit: OSO)

“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.

At the annual general meeting 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; also on the board of directors are Leona Baxter; Anne-Marie Kanester; Harriet Rogan and Roger Tilstra.

Okanagan Symphony Orchestra treasurer John Bailey also commented on the need for community support, “45 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.