President’s Message

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I welcome you to our 30th Anniversary Season of World Class Celebrations.

For our celebration, we are welcoming the world to Kelowna. Distinguished musicians from Canada, Asia, the Americas and Europe will perform masterpieces composed by the most feted composers. You, our appreciative and knowledgeable audience, selected many of the artists and the compositions they will be playing.

Thirty years ago, a small group of dedicated music lovers founded the Chamber Music Kelowna Society which has grown from modest beginnings to now offering a five-concert-series, featuring internationally acclaimed artists in the intimacy and acoustical excellence of the Mary Irwin Theatre. This year, CMK is reaching out to a new audience of seniors, families and youth by incorporating 2 matinee performances into our season.

Our Board continues to support and expand our Youth Outreach into the community through school concerts, workshops and/or master classes (string, piano, guitar). Last season, the CMK Board supported a lecture/demo at UBCO with 300 in attendance. The total number of persons attending our outreach activities in 2008/2009 season totaled 3,152.

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and attendance at our many activities. We acknowledge the generosity and financial assistance given through grants from the City of Kelowna Arts Foundation, Heritage Canada, the B.C. Gaming Commission, and the support of our loyal subscribers. You make music happen.

Here’s to another 30 years!

Brian Hobbs

September 2009