
Now is the perfect time to help support the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, including their mentorship program for youth musicians, through their fundraiser this month.
From now until the end of June, all monetary donations to the OSO will be tripled thanks to the endowment-matching campaign.
Every dollar given will go three times further, going towards making sure the OSO continues to share orchestral music in the future with both audiences and new musicians.
One program that is particularly close to the OSO's heart is their Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra, which sees young people sharing the stage for rehearsals and performances with professionals.
"They’re amazing,” says Meredith Allen, who lives in Penticton and plays bass in the OSYO.
“You learn so much and get so many tips from musicians who are the pros at the instrument you play.”
Allen also participated in another OSO program, in which she had the opportunity to learn to compose orchestral work and have it played and workshopped by the pros.
“It was exciting and fun to hear my music and it gave me motivation to continue,” says Allen of the experience.
The professionals get just as much out of it as the youth.
“It’s a real source of joy to work with and see the next generation of players,” says OSO cellist Olivia Walsh.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the community for supporting the Okanagan Symphony programming and our musicians, so that after two years, we could come back to play for live audiences."
“Your support today truly means a richer tomorrow for the Okanagan Symphony itself, and for all of the youth, audiences and community that we reach through our programming,” adds OSO executive director, Geraldine Parent.
Find out more about the orchestra, how to contribute and how to get involved here.