Issue 1: September – October - Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Trudy Schroeder
Friends of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra,
All in all, it promises to be a splendid Autumn. There is much excitement in
Winnipeg this fall with new buildings opening, a new hockey team, and a
promising start to the season for the Blue Bombers. The WSO is part of the
feeling of optimism that seems prevalent in our community these days. We live in
a wonderful community and, at the WSO, we value the consistent public support
for the orchestra through ticket sales and generous donations. The WSO is an
important part of the quality of life that makes us all proud to live in Manitoba.
We approach the start of our 64th season with great anticipation. The calendar is full of wonderful
concerts, and you may want to take another look at the season guide and add a few more concerts
into your plan for the year.
First, the WSO would like to congratulate our concertmaster, Gwen Hoebig, as she celebrates her
25th season with the orchestra. We are also pleased to welcome five new musicians, four new board
members, and two new staff members to the orchestra this fall. We hope they will all enjoy their first
year with the WSO and feel warmly welcomed in our organization. The board members and staff
members won’t be as visible at most concerts, but we will find ways to introduce them to you. On
stage, look for Phoebe Tsang and Tomomi Brennan in the second violin section. Desiree Abbey is
the assistant principal cello, Meredith McCallum joins the first violin section, and Patrick Staples is
on double bass. We also welcome Robin MacMillan, oboe & English horn, back to active service.
As our contribution to the activities related to the national arts awareness initiative Culture Days, we
will offer a day of free chamber music concerts in the newly refurbished Steinkopf gardens on
October 1 starting at 10 am. We will also send performers to the Nuit Blanche all night celebrations
at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Exciting concerts and activities are linked to the Indigenous Festival in mid-October. If you happen
to attend the grand opening of the new airport, you will hear the WSO playing there, and we will
also be visiting seven high schools as a part of our Up Close and Orchestral Program. You will also
notice many new activities related to our special program for younger audience members, the
Soundcheck Program.
On October 29, we start our popular Dinner and a Symphony program with a pairing of
Shostakovich’s music and Russian cuisine created by Bergmann’s on Lombard. This remains a great
way to meet other music lovers, experience a culinary menu matched to the concert, and be fully
relaxed and ready for the concert at 8 p.m.
By the time we get to the shorter days in November, you will be ready to celebrate and pamper
yourself at our exciting new event, Chicks n’ Chocolate. This evening features fun, travel, beauty
and, of course, chocolate. Call our box office (949-3999) for tickets.
There is much more excitement to come, but this introduces you to some of the things to look
forward to over the fall months. Enjoy the concerts, and be sure to let us know which ones you have
appreciated the most.
Trudy Schroeder
WSO Executive Director
September – October 2011 I OVERTURE 3