Annual Report
Message from the Board President
OF THE KAMLOOPS SYMPHONY SOCIETY
As we look back on this past year, I am pleased to report that the Kamloops Symphony Society has taken significant strides to strengthen our organization and deepening our service to the community. Central to this progress has been a comprehensive Strategic Plan, laying the groundwork for our future growth and sustainability. Alongside this, we completed a detailed Fund Development Plan, ensuring we have a clear path forward for securing the resources we need to thrive.
Recognizing the importance of strong governance, we also started a Systematic Governance Review, which will guide us and help ensure that our organizational structure and decision-making processes are aligned with best practices as we move towards our 50th anniversary and beyond. As part of our commitment to a strong leadership team, we were pleased to welcome Christopher Young as Executive Director to our organization and renew KSO Music Director Dina Gilbert’s position for another four years, ensuring continuity and stability for our community.
This year, we worked hard to expand our reach and be even more in service to our community across the BC Interior. I want to express my profound gratitude to our exceptionally talented musicians, our innovative and inspiring Music Director as well as our outstanding guest artists for sharing extraordinary musical experiences to our audiences. This season’s repertoire was varied and moving—delighting loyal audiences while introducing new community members to the joys of orchestral music. We continue to be proud of the rising level of work and performance shared on our stage.
As Board President, I am delighted to watch the faces of our community after an emotional musical experience. Through classical and pops concerts, we take joy in the impact we have had on the community regardless of genre. For instance, this season, I witnessed first-hand the joy of our sold-out audiences at An Evening with Pink Floyd where we had two audience members immensely moved by a live orchestra performing their wedding song from 20 years ago while I experienced the cultural mediation and grounding in history and in place that was our collaboration with Jeremy Dutcher. And I was moved by the passion of Lara St. John’s performance alongside our KSO musicians as they brought to life the incredible music from one of my favourite films, The Red Violin
Our programs at the KSO Music School have grown, and we’ve made excellent use of our new home at the Kelson Hall Centre for Arts &
Education. The centre has quickly become a vibrant space for both music education and intimate performances. We are particularly proud to have finalized key agreements with the City of Kamloops and our partners at Western Canada Theatre regarding Kelson Hall, further cementing the facility’s role as a cultural cornerstone in our city.
With the generous support of the Kelson Group, we also made important enhancements to Kelson Hall, particularly in terms of acoustic remediation. While there is still some work to be done, these improvements have already greatly benefited our faculty, students and audiences.
However, like many arts organizations across the country, we are facing challenges on several fronts. Because of these, we ended the 2023/24 fiscal year with a deficit, which renewed the Board of Directors’ intent to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra & KSO Music School. Our goal is not only to address the immediate financial concerns but also to continue to grow our impact and the role our organization plays in building a strong and vibrant city. To achieve this, we are committed to establishing a long-term sustainability plan that will secure our future while maintaining our vital contribution to Kamloops’ cultural landscape.
I want to acknowledge our government funders—particularly the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the BC Arts Council, the Province of British Columbia, and the City of Kamloops—in addition to our sponsors, donors and volunteers who help us realize our mission, “music. tuned to life.” I also want to offer our sincere gratitude to Ron & Rae Fawcett, and Rae Nixon whose steadfast and generous support of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra & KSO Music School enrich the lives of our communities.
Our Board of Directors and the entire team remain dedicated to ensuring that we continue to thrive as we approach our 50th anniversary and beyond. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure a vibrant future for the arts in Kamloops.
Sincerely
John McDonald Board President
Message from the Executive Director
The past fiscal year has been a time of both significant achievement and significant challenge for the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and the KSO Music School. As the new Executive Director, it has been my privilege to join this extraordinary organization during a period of immense growth and transition.
However, we are not without challenges. Inflation has significantly impacted our operations, with rising costs outpacing revenues. The economic climate has tempered market demand, reflecting the cautious spending behavior of our patrons. Despite these hurdles, we remain optimistic, having implemented policy changes that should help stabilize our financial situation over the coming seasons.
Achievements and Milestones
This year, we celebrated major milestones, reaching some of our largestever audiences with nine sold-out performances at the Sagebrush Theatre. Our performance season was marked by several exceptional events, included Canadian pianist Daniel Clarke-Bouchard, the premiere of Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony. The KSO also had the honour of collaborating with Jeremy Dutcher, whose grounding in time and place left a lasting impression on audiences and musicians.
The KSO Music School also celebrated successes, with standout student performances by Anika Howell in voice and Ezzra Cage in composition. We also proudly launched our first-ever Children’s Chorus and introduced our Meet the Instruments! program, which has already been well-received by young musicians. Additionally, thanks to the generous support of Rae Nixon and the BC Arts Council, we added a new piano to our Music School, elevating the quality of our instruction and performance in Kelson Hall.
On the strategic front, we have laid the groundwork for a new threeyear strategy to guide us toward sustainability. Additionally, we made strides in Fund Development, with support from the Community Services Recovery Fund to ensure continued delivery of high-quality performances and programs.
Financial Overview
Financially, this year has been challenging. While our audience numbers and donor contributions remained strong, inflation and rising costs created a gap that our revenues could not entirely bridge. We worked hard to adjust policies and procedures to help mitigate the financial strain, and while these efforts have allowed us to maintain revenues,
they have not yet fully offset our increased expenses. That said, the remarkable generosity of our donors and the loyalty of our audiences provide hope that we can continue to strengthen the organization’s financial standing in the coming seasons.
Community Engagement and Access
This year saw several important community access initiatives. We brought live music into the Royal Inland Hospital with a free Christmas concert performed by a KSO string quartet. The Music School’s Low Strings Project also delivered a memorable performance at the RIH in June.
As well, Kelson Hall became a hub for educational enrichment, with masterclasses and talks from distinguished artists such as Lara St. John, Julie Thériault, and Paul Dykstra, alongside a Women in Music panel held in recognition of International Women’s Day.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my first year, I recognize the incredible foundation that has been built over our 48-year history. My focus now is on how we can grow and sustain this organization for future generations. We are in the process of evaluating every aspect of our operations to ensure that we remain not just a symphony in Kamloops, but of Kamloops—an integral part of the community and the cultural life of the BC Interior.
In the coming months, we will introduce a series of new policies and strategies that will position the KSO & KSO Music School to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape. Our goals are ambitious, but I am confident in our ability to meet the growing demand for musical experiences and culture, both locally and across the region.
A Sustainable Future
The path to sustainability will take time, but we are uniquely poised to meet the challenges ahead. With the dedication of our staff, musicians, students, volunteers, and supporters, I believe the KSO & KSO Music School will continue to grow as a cultural pillar in Kamloops and the BC Interior. Together, we will ensure that music remains an essential part of our community for generations to come.
Christopher Young Executive Director
Treasurer’s Report
KAMLOOPS SYMPHONY SOCIETY
Below is a brief summary of the statements of the financial position and the statements of operations for the year ended June 30, 2024.
Statement of Financial Position:
The statement of financial position has some significant changes from the prior year, including unrestricted net assets being in a deficit. This is discussed later in the statement of operations section below. Other changes include a decrease in cash of $56,000, this is due to results from operations, as well as repayment of the CEBA loan. The overall impacts to cash have also been mitigated due to the timing of cash received, as deferred income has increased by approximately $68,000 from funding received before year end that relates to the 2025 fiscal year. Management is aware of the cashflow situation and is utilizing cashflow projections to ensure that the necessary cashflow requirements of the KSS are maintained.
Statement of Operations: General & Capital Funds
General operations this year yield a deficit after transfers of approximately $76,000. While it was budgeted that a deficit would be incurred this year to use up surpluses of prior years, consistent with that of a not-for-profit organization, some additional costs were incurred that results in a larger then anticipated deficit of approximately $25,000. From a high level, there is not one or a few items that contribute to these results but several smaller items that have accumulated to yield these results.
Statement of Operations: Music School Fund
The music school had another successful year financially, while we did see revenues decrease from the prior year due to the reduced number of music teachers, this was also reflected in the wage expenses. Overall, the music school generated a small surplus of approximately $13,000. The music school continues to be an area that has lots of opportunities for growth and expansion for the KSS in the future.
With the results of the past year, the finance committee has made a commitment to provide extra attention to the current year season planning procedures as well as providing management guidance in managing risks throughout the year. We are hopeful that the current season will provide a positive financial outcome for the KSS. Based on the actions taken to date and the financially responsible approach taken with preparing budgets, we believe that financially the KSS will have the necessary measures and approaches in place to ensure longevity.
The finance committee would like to take this opportunity to recognize and show appreciation to all of our donors and sponsors for their immense support. The continuous financial contributions are what allows the KSS to fulfill our mission and vision.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL POSITION
Tyler Klymchuk Treasurer
Kamloops Symphony Society Statement of Financial Position As at June 30 2024 2023
Audited statements available at KamloopsSymphony.com.
Message from the Music Director
As we look back on the 2023–2024 season, my seventh as Music Director of the Kamloops Symphony, I am thrilled to reflect on our orchestra’s remarkable artistic growth and the enriching concert experiences we have offered. Last season was filled with unforgettable moments that brought us all closer together, whether on stage or in the audience. Themes of innovation, connection, and engagement resonated deeply, highlighting the essential role the Kamloops Symphony plays in our community.
A Season of Vibrant and Innovative Experiences
We kicked off this season with Rhapsody in Blue concert which was featuring a KSO commission work arranged by Stéphanie Hamelin Tomala, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Kamloops-born clarinetist Phil Nimmons, the “Dean of Canadian Jazz,” alongside works by American composers Florence Price, Samuel Barber, and George Gershwin. Our soloists, soprano Rachel Casponi and pianist Daniel Clarke-Bouchard, delivered stellar performances in both Kamloops and Salmon Arm. Our talented musicians kept busy by combining two productions over one weekend, presenting our first family concert in years as well as our second signature concert, Romeo and Juliet. After years of meticulous planning, it was a true honor to present the Canadian premiere of Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony to families and schools.
At the start of 2024, we invited our audience on a Hypnotic Journey with composer and pianist Julie Thériault. This unique musical performance also integrated poetry and visual arts of our guest artist, enhanced by the creative lighting design of Sam Bregoliss, our exceptionally talented Operations Coordinator.
In March, we once again innovated with Light the Night, an audiovisual experience that combined 800 illustrations by Pauline Stive, stitched together as a symphonic narrative by Catherine Varvaro, illuminating the life of the often-overlooked composer Alma Mahler.
Building a Stronger Community Through Music
At the start of our season, we were honored to be invited by Margit Sky to participate in the second edition of Music for the People. Our new home, Kelson Hall, has given us the incredible opportunity to expand our offerings with new concerts and outreach experiences. Alongside our weekly KSO Chorus rehearsals, Lori Marchand Hall welcomed guest pianist Daniel Clarke-Bouchard for a sold-out recital celebrating the diverse voices of American music. All year long, we also hosted several masterclasses and discussions with various guest artists, benefiting both Kamloops Symphony Music School students and our curious audiences.
Our commitment to inclusivity remains steadfast. We continued the Pro-Am Jam initiative, allowing amateur musicians to sit alongside our KSO musicians in a relaxed setting, providing a unique opportunity to connect with guest composer and pianist Julie Thériault. Following our KSO Wellness Lab initiatives, which brought chamber music to various locations in our community during the pandemic, the KSO quartet offered comfort through free holiday performances at Royal Inland Hospital.
Our annual Christmas with the KSO brought warmth to our audience members, who were charmed by the multi-generational talent on stage—from children from the Kamloops Symphony Music School participating in our Toy Symphony to SD73 music students sharing the stage with our musicians. Our KSO Chorus enthusiastically encouraged our varied audiences to sing along with us and guest Ingrid Mapson. We’ll fondly remember the energetic audience members who had the chance to conduct during the Radetzky March
Our Pink Floyd concerts, featuring Jean’s Classics and guest conductor Jaelem Bhate, attracted a diverse audience, resulting in three soldout performances.
Celebrating Various Voices in Music
Our programming featured a rich tapestry of local and international guest artists, creating tailored concert experiences for our varied audiences. This year, we celebrated our ongoing commitment to presenting works by underrepresented voices and living composers. Highlights included pianist Daniel Clarke-Bouchard performing Florence Price’s Piano Concerto, our principal cellist Martin Krátký in the BC premiere of Anna Clyne’s DANCE Concerto, a full program of minimalist music around Julie Theriault’s music and
We even had four programs entirely dedicated to contemporary composers: Wild Symphony, Hypnotic Journey, The Red Violin, and Jeremy Dutcher with the KSO through which we also premiered commissioned KSO arrangements for the KSO orchestra, chorus and the indigenous singer.
As Music Director, there is nothing more exciting than witnessing our audience trust our programming and leave uplifted by new favorite works. Compositions by Dinuk Wijeratne, Marjan Mozetich, and Stéphanie Hamelin-Tomala received enthusiastic responses alongside the ever-moving Mozart’s Requiem, which showcased the talent of guest conductor Gordon Gerrard, our four soloists, and the KSO Chorus under the leadership of our dedicated chorus master, Tomas Bijok.
In February, we welcomed world-class violinist Lara St. John, who performed the poignant Red Violin soundtrack by John Corigliano and an energetic premiere by composer Milica Paranosic. The Carmen Suite by Rodion Shchedrin highlighted the progress our string musicians have made in quality, cohesion, and expressiveness. I am immensely grateful for the dedicated musicians who choose to perform with us season after season. In March, our principal musicians shone in the demanding orchestration of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, allowing audiences in Kamloops and Salmon Arm to experience this spectacular work.
I am also thankful for the internationally acclaimed guest artists like Lara St. John and Jeremy Dutcher, who accepted our invitations to perform in our modest venues, underscoring the importance of delivering highquality programming and performances in our region, despite not having the resources of larger cities.
We continued our partnership with Tapestry Opera in the Women in Musical Leadership Program, nurturing the next generation of female and non-binary conductors. We had the pleasure of welcoming back Jennifer Tung, who conducted our season finale with the outstanding guest artist Jeremy Dutcher, delivering one of the most memorable concerts.
As we are moving towards our 50th anniversary, our goal remains the same: to deliver extraordinary musical experiences that resonate deeply within our community. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our musicians, team members, and volunteers for being vital parts of our Kamloops Symphony family.
Dina Gilbert
Music Director I Kamloops Symphony
Number of Concerts
25
Number of Works by Women & Global Majority Composers
37
Number of Audience Members
11,444
Number of Works by Canadian Composers
36
Social Media reach
208,500
Number of KSOundcheck Tickets Sold
349
Total number of Donors
Number of Youth Tickets Sold
2,381
Number of Volunteers
336 Key Statistics for 2023–2024
78
Total amount donated
$177,487
2023–2024
Main Series Concerts
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT SIGNATURE SERIES
September 22, 2023
September 23, 2023
November 4, 2023
December 16, 2023
January 13, 2024
February 10, 2024
March 9, 2024
April 27, 2024
May 18, 2024
Daniel Clarke-Bouchard Recital
Rhapsody in Blue
Romeo & Juliet
Christmas with the KSO
Hypnotic Journey
The Red Violin
Light the Night: A Symphonic Graphic Novel
Gordon Gerrard Conducts
Mozart’s Requiem
Jeremy Dutcher & The KSO
KELSON POPS SERIES
December 17, 2023
January 12, 2024
March 22, 2024
May 17, 2024
Christmas with the KSO
Hypnotic Journey
An Evening of Pink Floyd
Jeremy Dutcher & The KSO
SALMON ARM SERIES
September 24, 2023
February 11, 2024
March 10, 2024
Rhapsody in Blue
The Red Violin
Light the Night: A Symphonic Graphic Novel
FAMILY CONCERT
November 5, 2023
Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony
KSO Music School:
A SEASON OF GROWTH AND MUSICAL DISCOVERY
This year marked an exciting period of growth and achievement for the KSO Music School, solidifying our position as the largest not-forprofit music school in the region. With over 400 students enrolled across a variety of disciplines and programs, the school continues to be a vibrant hub for music education, nurturing talent and fostering a love of music in students of all ages. This was made possible by our home in Kelson Hall and we are excited to continue to grow our programs to meet the increasing demand for musical and cultural education in our community.
Expanding Programs and New Faculty
In January, we proudly launched our Children’s Chorus, under the dynamic direction of Rachel Casponi and with the skilled accompaniment of collaborative pianist Bonita Wiens. This new ensemble offers young vocalists the chance to develop their skills in a supportive and inspiring environment, while also contributing to the cultural fabric of our community through performance opportunities. The school also introduced the Meet the Instruments! program in Violin and Flute, giving aspiring musicians the opportunity to explore these instruments up close and engage in hands-on learning. These introductory sessions have sparked interest and opened new pathways for many students to begin their musical journey.
We welcomed two exceptional new faculty members this season: Isabella Rohner-Tensee (Violin), Laure Matiakh (Cello), and Christopher Young (Brass). Their expertise and passion for teaching have already made a significant impact, adding depth and diversity to our instructional offerings. While we celebrated these new additions, we also said farewell to long-time violin instructor Cvetozar Vutev, whose dedication and talent have inspired countless students during his tenure at the school.
Hosting Opera Nuova Auditions
In an exciting first for Kamloops, the KSO Music School hosted the Opera Nuova auditions, one of Canada’s premier training academies for young opera singers. This opportunity help elevate the Kamloops music scene and offered local students the chance to showcase their talents on a prestigious platform, marking another milestone in the school’s growing reputation for excellence. Two students were successful and attended the program in June 2024.
Student Success and Community Recognition
Our students shone brightly this year, with many placing first in their categories at the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts. We are especially proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Anika Howell (Soprano) student of Rachel Casponi, and Ezzra Cage (Composition) student of Deborah Miles, both of whom received recognition at the provincial level. Anika’s vocal talents and Ezzra’s compositional prowess have brought acclaim not only to themselves but also to the KSO Music School, demonstrating the depth of talent and commitment nurtured here.
Voice Workshops and Community Engagement
Our Voice Workshops with renowned vocal coach Heidi Muendel were a particular highlight of the season, drawing enthusiastic participation from local singers of all levels. These workshops provided invaluable coaching and development for aspiring vocalists, further shining a spotlight on the growing reputation of the KSO Music School as a center for vocal excellence.
Music for Young Children at Christmas with the KSO
A heartwarming highlight of the season was the participation of our Music for Young Children program in the annual Christmas with the KSO concerts. These young musicians and their parents delighted audiences with their performance of the Toy Symphony commonly attributed to Leopold Mozart, bringing an extra touch of joy and holiday spirit to the event. Seeing these young students, some of whom were performing for the first time, take the stage alongside seasoned KSO musicians was a testament to our commitment to fostering musical growth at every age and level.
FACULTY
Sally Arai, clarinet/saxophone
Rachel Casponi, voice/children’s chorus
Catherine Dochstader, flute
Annette Dominik, violin
Jane Dyck, music for young children
Bailey Finley, flute
Martin Krátký, cello
Deborah Miles, piano/theory
Heidi Muendel, voice
Isabella Rohner-Tensee, violin
Bonita Wiens, children’s chorus
Sandra Wilmot, violin
Christopher Young, brass
Laure Matiahk, cello
KSO & KSO Music School in the Community
This year, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and KSO Music School expanded our community engagement initiatives, reaching new audiences and deepening connections through a diverse range of events, performances, and educational opportunities.
In
Conversation
Series and Women in Music Panel
We launched our In Conversation series with the renowned violinist Lara St. John and our Assistant Concertmaster Elyse Jacobson, who shared their journeys and insights into the world of music. This was followed by our Women in Music Panel, which brought together accomplished local female musicians, KSO Music Director Dina Gilbert, soprano Heidi Muendel, and pianist Daniela Cinel O’Fee, to discuss gender equity, challenges, and opportunities within the music world. Both events sparked meaningful dialogue and empowered local artists and music enthusiasts.
Masterclasses with Julie Thériault and Paul Dykstra
Our KSO Music School Masterclasses featured distinguished guest artists Julie Thériault and Paul Dykstra, offering invaluable learning experiences for local musicians. Through hands-on coaching and feedback, participants were able to hone their skills and gain deeper insights into their craft, inspired by these internationally acclaimed professionals.
Performances with at the RIH
In partnership with the Royal Inland Hospital, KSO musicians performed during the holiday season, bringing the warmth and joy of live music to patients and staff. This collaboration exemplified the healing power of music. Our KSO Music School Low Strings Project, an initiative aimed at promoting the bass and cello led by faculty member and KSO Principal Cellist Martin Krátký, also performed at the RIH in June, giving students an opportunity to perform with the public.
KSO Chorus and Pizza & Puccini Success
The KSO Chorus enjoyed a robust season, with stronger numbers and outstanding performances. They joined the musicians of the KSO for Christmas with the KSO and Gordon Gerrard conducts Mozart’s Requiem. Their annual fundraiser, Pizza & Puccini, was a resounding success, raising over $8,000 in support of choral programs across both the KSO and KSO Music School. This festive event at the Kamloops United Church, filled with powerful operatic performances and community spirit, highlighted the vibrancy of our choral program and the dedication of its supporters.
KSO Music School Open Houses
The KSO Music School held Open Houses in September and October, inviting families and prospective students to explore the wide range of musical programs on offer. These events provided a welcoming introduction to our school, showcasing the talented instructors and the joy of learning music, while helping strengthen our connection to the broader community.
Pro-Am Jam
This year, we hosted a Pro-Am Jam for string players, where local amateurs had the chance to play alongside KSO musicians and guest artist Julie Thériault. This event fostered collaboration, mentorship, and a shared love of music, as musicians of all levels came together in a supportive, creative environment.
Music for the People
A highlight of our season was the second annual Music for the People concert on September 17, a powerful collaboration featuring the Sage Hills Drummers & Dancers, the Margit Sky Project, and KSO musicians. This event celebrated the blending of local Indigenous music, orchestral traditions, and rock & roll, creating a dynamic and deeply moving performance.
The outdoor concert provided a platform for cultural exchange. This collaborative celebration of diversity and unity underscored our commitment to inclusivity and cultural mediation, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
KSO Education
This year, our collaboration with School District #73 brought public school students into the spotlight through side-by-side performances at our annual Christmas with the KSO concerts. Local students had the unique opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professional KSO musicians, creating an inspiring experience that bridged music education with professional performance. This initiative nurtured young talent and strengthened our community connections, fostering a deeper appreciation for music while supporting the next generation of musicians in Kamloops. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership in the future.
This season, our education concerts brought exciting musical experiences to students across Kamloops. Our Elementary School Concerts featured Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony, captivating young audiences with its imaginative blend of music and storytelling. For high school students, we hosted a special open rehearsal with renowned violinist Lara St. John, who performed selections from The Red Violin. These performances offered students a unique, behind-the-scenes look at professional musicianship and enriched their understanding of the power and beauty of live orchestral music.
Core Musicians
CONCERTMASTER
Cvetozar Vutev
ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER
Elyse Jacobson
2ND VIOLIN
Boris Ulanowicz
SECTION VIOLIN
Sandra Wilmot
VIOLA
Ashley Kroecher
SECTION VIOLA
Caroline Olsen
CELLO
Martin Krátký
SECTION CELLO
Yu Yu Liu
BASS
Maggie Hasspacher
FLUTE
Heather Beaty
OBOE
Marea Chernoff
CLARINET
Sally Arai
BASSOON
Olivia Martin
HORN
Sam McNally
TRUMPET
Mark D’Angelo
PERCUSSION
François-Xavier Leroy
TIMPANI
Caroline Bucher
LIBRARIAN
Sally Arai
Extra Musicians
VIOLIN
Molly MacKinnon
Meredith Bates
Carol Hur
Evelyn Creaser-Rumley
Susan Aylard
Michelle Gao
iten Beairsto
Adora Wong
Parmela Attariwala
Samantha Kung
Vladimir Rufino
Annette Dominik
Narumi Higuchi
Haley Leach
Susan Cottrell
I-Hsin Wu
Fang Chen (Lina) Han
Francisco Barradas
Jeremy Ferland
Angela Ruthven
Llowyn Ball
VIOLA
Wennie Wei
Catherine Chen
Fabiola Amorim
Marissa Deans
Tony Kastelic
Erin Macdonald
Jennifer Ho
Fahlon Palm
John Kastelic
Calvin Yang
CELLO
Doug Gorkoff
Olivia Walsh
Laure Matiakh
Shin-Jung Nam
Jake Klinkenborg
BASS
Michael Vaughan
Yefeng Yin
Lukas Peladeau
Jacques Forest
Lukas Schmidt
FLUTE
Jeff Pelletier
Thomas Law
Samantha Fu
Paolo Bortolussi
Mailynn Jenkins
OBOE
Lauris Davis
Akane Setiawan
Michelle Feng
Renz Adame
CLARINET
Julie Begg
Krystal Morrison
Marcella Barz
BASSOON
Dave Overgaard
Karmen Doucette
Lori Barrett
Rebecca Norman
Katrina Russell
HORN
Heather Walker
Dawn Haylett
Dennis Colpitts
Maddie Davis
Duane Kirkpatrick
TRUMPET
Jeremy Vint
Rob Hogeveen
TROMBONE
Bob Rogers
Cindy Hogeveen
Rod Simmons
Wade Dorsey
Lucas O’Fee
Jeremy Berkman
Jim Hopson
TUBA
Brett Lacroix-Durocher
Anna Bosgra
PERCUSSION/
Brian Nesselroad
Robin Reid
Martin Fisk
Jacob Kryger
PIANO
Daniela Cinel O’Fee
Naomi Cloutier
HARP
Naomi Cloutier
Madison Dartana
Administration & Board
Administration
Christopher Young
Executive Director
Sue Adams
Office Administrator
Sam Bregoliss
Operations Coordinator
Ryan Noakes
Marketing Coordinator
Olivia Martin
Orchestra Personnel Manager
Adrien Fillion
Production Assistant
Doug Perry
Audio Engineer
Honourary Life Members
Bonnie Jesten
Art Hooper
Board of Directors
As of the 2023
Annual General Meeting
John McDonald ICD.D President
Steve Powrie Vice President
Tyler Klymchuk
Treasurer
Kaitlin Methot
Secretary
Lisa Fuller
Lucille Gnanasihamany
Christy Gauley
Gabriele Klein
Daleen Millard
Sydney Takahashi
Simon Walter
Chorus Members
Tomáš Bijok, Chorusmaster
Daniela Cinel O’Fee, Collaborative Pianist
Marnie Smith, Chorus Administrator
Amanda Ahner
Nichole Annis
Guram Asatiani
Robin Bhattcharya
Rita Bittante
Amanda Bond
Nicole Bremner
Elise Bruno
Janet Brunsgaard
Alan Buchanan
Jingbi Cui
Lynn Eberts
Tom Eccleston
Ava Egli
Calder Faden
Kristine Faulds
Matt Fichter
Ethan Gelinas
Heather Gnoato
Marcy Gofsky
Grace Graham
Cam Grant
Shannon Gruen
Adrianne Hajdasz
Tracy Hajdasz
Megan Hanks
Alan Hodgson
Mary Hunter
George Johnson
Marcia Julian
Stacey Jyrkkanen
Elaine Karas
Lyndon Kinley
Kyla Liebe
Cindy Mao
Michelle Marginet
Sylvia Markowsky
Heather Martin
Diane McArthur
Dale Merretti
Paula Monoga
Candace Morrison
Peter Nieuwold
Chantal Oliver
Linda Oliver
Charene Perog
Marlene Peters
Bonnie Peterson
Elizabeth Reichenback
Ron Routledge
Janice Rutherford
Mia Sage
Phillip Sigalet
Marnie Smith
Sam Snucins
Patricia Spencer
Maatje Stamp-Vincent
Gisele Strodl
Jill Timko
Gordon Tisher
Evelyn Vipond-Schmidt
Florence Walde
Shaojun Wang
Bob Walter
Keenan Wilcox
Gerad Wingerak
Viviane Wingerak
Natasha Winston
Cynthia Yaunish
Hayang Yoo
Michelle Zwolak
Sally Zyrd
The Sound of Support:
HOW DONORS AMPLIFIED OUR MISSION
This past year, the generosity of our community played a pivotal role in sustaining the KSO & KSO Music School, enabling us to continue offering inspiring musical experiences and programs. Through the support of our donors and partners, we celebrated remarkable fundraising successes while facing significant challenges along the way.
A highlight of our fundraising efforts was the Pizza & Puccini event hosted by the KSO Chorus, which raised over $9,000 to support vocal programs across both the KSO and KSO Music School. This event, with its delightful combination of homemade pizza and opera performances by local singers, resonated strongly with attendees and exceeded our expectations. We look forward to growing this program in future seasons to further support our vocal arts initiatives.
Barb’s Used Book & Music Sale, now a beloved tradition in the community, continued to be an essential fundraiser for our organization. Thanks to the City of Kamloops, which generously provided us with space at St. Andrew’s on the Square on short notice, we were able to host two sales, raising over $58,000. Unfortunately, a fire in May caused severe water damage to the church and resulted in the loss of the majority of our inventory for the 2024/25 sales season. At year-end, we were still working through insurance discussions regarding the coverage of this significant loss. Despite this setback, we remain committed to the future of Barb’s Sale and its continued importance to our community and mission.
In terms of Annual Giving, we achieved over 120% of our target, thanks to the outpouring of support from our community. Key initiatives, including our Amp Up the Music! campaign and a year-end matching campaign, collectively raised nearly $50,000, underscoring the community’s commitment to keeping the arts vibrant in Kamloops. This remarkable success demonstrates a shared belief in the value of music and cultural education in our region, and we are deeply grateful to each donor for their generosity.
In alignment with our strategic goals, we engaged Global Philanthropic to develop a comprehensive fund development plan. Over the coming seasons, we will implement this plan, with expected growth in Annual Giving, as well as the launch of our Major Gifts and Planned Giving programs. A crucial part of this initiative was the adoption of a new CRM system, which will allow us to better understand and connect with our supporters. With this enhanced communication and data management, we are positioned to deepen our relationships with donors and provide greater transparency into the impact of their contributions.
As we look ahead, the unwavering support of our donors and community partners will be vital in helping us address our ongoing financial challenges and advance our mission to bring music to the people of Kamloops and beyond. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has stood by us this year, and we are inspired to build on these successes in the coming seasons.
We wish to thank our donors
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
$2000+
$1000+
Anonymous
Kelvin Barlow
Dr. Margaret Carlson
“In Memory of My Son, Dave”
— Joyce Dorey
Roy & Helen Haugen
Gabriele Klein
Rae Nixon Tacey Ruffner
Maureen Stewart
Sheila Stewart
“In Memory of Karl J. Trabold”
— Family & Friends
John Watson
BENEFACTORS
Lorene & Ben Anders
Geoff & Judith Benson
Geoff & Kathy Collier
Lore Dominik
Endowment Fund
James & Jessie Fedorak
Dina Gilbert
Joyce Henderson
Alan & Gwen Kerr
Bruce Martin
John & Joan McDonald
Dr. Elspeth McDougall
David & Alison McKinnon
Rod Mitchell
Eleanor Nicoll
Terry Simpson
Derek Smoluk
M. Colleen Stainton
$500+ OVATION
Anonymous (x2)
William & Pierrette Beaton
Helen Birdsall & Fred
Cunningham
Kim Buker
Thomas Dickinson & Nancy Flood
Carol & Rick Howie
Bob & Jo-Mary Hunter
Margaret & Michael James
Daniel Mills
Helen & Bruce Newmarch
Barbara Prystawa
Susan Safford & Carlos Tallent
Jerry Stack
David Stoltze
Dr. Stan Szpakowicz
Jolana Tamajka
Dr. Robert Walter & Dr. Jill Calder
John & Sue Whitehead
$250+ ENCORE
Anonymous
Peter & Debra Allik-Petersenn
Patricia Akiyama
Francis & Helen Barnett
Wendy Charlebois
Ken & Brenda Christian
Luciana Comparelli
Murray & Ann Crawford
Wilma De Jong
Jerome Farrell
Lisa Fuller
David Gilmour
Greg & Susan Hall
Daniel Katchmar
Christina & Reimar
Kroecher Fund
The Aklyama Larsen Charitable Fund
Fred & Nancy Leake
Dianne Miller
Joan & Jim Moffat
Cathy Montagliani
Vic & Sally Mowbray
Marg Parfitt
Jos Penner
Donna Petri
Robert Petrie
June & Ron Routledge
Michael & Pamela Saul
Taron Senko
Carol & Wolfgang Sinnemann
Barbara & Carman Smith
Nicole Tougas
Sue Turner
Dave & Maryanne Whiting
Judy Wiebe
This donor list represents the individuals and corporations who donated to the Kamloops Symphony Society during the 2021-22 Fiscal Year. For any errors or omissions, please do let us know at 250.372.5000 or info@kamloopssymphony.com
Kamloops Symphony Society | 24 | Annual Report 2023–2024
Anonymous (x2)
Luisa Ahlstrom
Minori Arai
Wendy Bainbridge
Michael & Mary Baker
Tom Barley
Karen Bernard
Phyllis C & Scott Bond
Kathy Boughton
Pauline & Jack Braaksma
Pamela Bradley
Rick Brewster
Margaret Brown
Heather & James Bryan
Jon Buckle
Margaret Chrumka & Paul Clark
Jean Dahl
Roxanne Dauncey
Brienne Dawson
Joanne Dennstedt
Nicolette Eadie
Jennifer Edwards
Kirstie Egan
Jean Ethridge
Ruth & Michael Fane
Roxanna Ferguson
Beverly & Alan Forseth
Judith Fowles
Donna Geefs
Tatiana Gilbert
Tony Gilbert
Lucille Gnanasihamany
Trudy Goold
Sheila Gorkoff
Joy Gothard
Linda & John Graham
Peter & Judy Gray
Katherine Gulley
Erin Guy
Megan Hanks
Deborah Hansen
Lucy & Ronald Heslip
Frances Higginson
Chrystal Hillier
Peter Holmgren
Ken & Marylyne House
Claire Johnson
Ashley Kharboutli
Kats & June Kitamura
Lyle LeClair & Barb Duncan
Patricia Legut
Mary Lester
Lynn Lyall
James MacDonald
Kirsten McDougall
Shelley McGuinness
Phil McIntyre-Paul
Marilyn McLean
Kaitlin Methot
Christy Morris
Kathleen Nadler & David Schmidt
Charo Neville
Rollie & Joanne Nisbet
Daniela Cinel O’Fee
Dr. Ron & Louise Oyler
Janice Pedersson
Carl & Penny Pentilchuk
Tracey Pointer
Steve & Rhonda Powrie
Barry Reiter
Cherryl & Rick Rice
Terry & Susanne Rogers
Susan Rolston
Chris & Gina Rose
Lynn Rutherford
Mike Saul
Donald & Sandra Staff
Gail Swedberg
M E Taylor-Parfitt
Suzanne Thurlow
Lynne Totten
Lynne Van Hamme
Evelyn Vipond-Schmidt
Sharon Warren
Anne Waters
Elaine Webber
Barb & Mike Webber
Jennifer Werkman
Marylee Weski
Eric & Mary Wiebe
Sandra Wilmot
Heather & Michael Wisla
Dylan Wurfel
Janis Anderson
Graham Atkin
Marcy Beauchamp
Justin Burkatsky
Lori Bustin
Andrea Campbell
Harriett Chave
Evelyn Claudepierre
Dean Connie
Wendy Dubbin
Elizabeth Dye
Sandra Frangiadakis
Ann Hammond
Paige Hilker
Barb Hoffman
Trent Jakubec
Marcia Julian
Martin Krátký
Margaret MacDonald
Conor McLaughlin
Laura Montana
Heidi Muendel
Cristian Negrete Lozano
Linda Oliver
Catherine Ortner
Aaron Phillips
Michael Prime
Ron Redl
Doug Reudink
Arthur Ross
Chris Searle
Lynn Snook
Patricia Spencer
Maatje & Gordon
Stamp-Vincent
Anna Swanson
Sydney Takahashi
Carol Todd
Judith Treherne
Janette Walker
John Weller
Craig Wilms
Marcia Woods
Christopher Young
Sponsors
The Kamloops Symphony wishes to thank the following organizations for their financial support during the 2023~2024 Season:
Government Donors
Government of Canada
Canada Council for the Arts/Conseil des arts du Canada
BC Arts Council / Province of British Columbia
City of Kamloops
Foundation Donors
Government of Canada
Canada Council for the Arts/Conseil des arts du Canada
BC Arts Council / Province of British Columbia
City of Kamloops
Series Sponsors
Fairfield by Marriott Kamloops
Kelson Group Property Management
Season Sponsors
CFJC TV
Delta Hotels by Mariott Kamloops
Kamloops This Week
Lightning Rubbish Removal
NORAN
Radio NL 610 AM
TNRD
Performance Sponsors
BCLC
BDO
Best Western Plus! Kamloops
Celista Estate Winery
Criterion Capital Group of RBC Dominion Securities
Fisherman’s Market
Grant Thornton
ideaLEVER
Matt Arnott Registered Piano Technician
Milton Group
New Gold New Afton Mine
SASCU
Sterling Land Wealth Advisory Group of RBC Dominion Securities
Tastefull Excursions
Watson Engineering Ltd.
Volunteers
Randy Adams
Kathy Aban
Joe & Kathleen Alcock
Mary Aulin
Pierette Beaton
Joan Bernard
Doffy Bourbonnais
Pam Bradley
Norma Browne
Cilla & Peter Budda
Faye Burles
Wendy Charlebois
Jo Chipperfield
Kathy & Geoff Collier
Philippa Coxon
Jean Crowe
Kathrine Dominik
Denise Douglas
Sandy Eastwood
Les & Joan Ellenor
Barb Ennis
Jean Ethridge
Jill Field
Mel Formanski
Deb Fransen
Lisa Fuller
Christy Gauley
Marline & Tibout
Glazenburg
Lucille Gnanasihamanny
Diana Haque
Judy Hatch
Marylyne House
Carol Howie
Kathy Humphreys
Betty Jakel
Dale Johnston
Patricia Kaatz
June Kitamura
Gabriele Klein
Tyler Klymchuk
Debbie Lehar
Mary Lester
Tony & Judy Lewis
C E Malinowski
John & Joan McDonald
Dr. Elspeth McDougall
Deb McKeown
Wendy McLean
Kait Methot
Claire Meuier
Rod Mitchell
Vic & Sally Mowbray
Davina Neve
Helen Newmarch
Rae Nixon
Debbie Olson
Steve Powrie
Bonnie Pryce
Cherryl Rice
Wilma Scheer
Sharlene Sharpe
Tom Stone
Sydney Takahashi
Annette Toop
Lynn Totten
Simon Walter
Gwen Whyte
Judy Wiebe
Lynne Wickett
Jan & Bob Wilkins
