Edmonton Symphony Orchestra holds 2009 Annual General Meeting

Edmonton, AB ’Ķ The 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Edmonton Symphony Society (ESS) was held in The Studio yesterday afternoon at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. ESS Managing Director Annemarie Petrov and Chair of the Board of Directors Steven LePoole reviewed for the Society’Äôs members, highlights of the Edmonton Symphony’Äôs 2008/2009 fiscal year.

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) experienced a truly remarkable year, both financially and artistically. ’ÄúWhile we were faced with many challenges posed by an uncertain economic environment, we have been able to overcome these challenges and for the sixth consecutive year, the ESO has operated within a balanced budget. We are very pleased to announce a surplus of $23,752’Äù announced Annemarie Petrov.

The surplus can be attributed to not only the artistic quality and presence of the ESO made possible by its local audience, but also by those who believe strongly in the organization. ’ÄúWe are grateful to the 1,500 individuals, foundations, and companies who affirmed the importance of the ESO in the community, coming together to provide close to $2 million in annual funding.’Äù

The 2008/2009 season had a number of memorable highlights. One of the great voices of our age, Renˆ©e Fleming made her long-awaited Edmonton debut, and The Masters flagship series was distinguished by appearances by percussionist Colin Currie and violinist James Ehnes. Anton Kuerti and James Campbell brought serenity and beauty to the Midweek Classics, while Mr. Sulu himself (aka George Takei), country artists George Canyon and Ian Tyson, and pop divas the Pointer Sisters thrilled audiences alike. Three sold-out performances of Cirque de la Symphonie amazed our Pops patrons with brilliant artistry. Subscription sales for the past year also saw a dramatic increase through a new 2-for-1 campaign, amounting to an added sense of vibrancy and energy within the Francis Winspear Centre for Music.

The ESO’Äôs new Principal Trumpet, Robin Doyon, distinguished himself throughout his first season, and Megan Evans (horn) and Rob Aldridge (double bass) invigorated their respective sections during their initial seasons with the orchestra. At the end of the 2008/2009 season, the orchestra’Äôs first two Laureate musicians were named, Principal Clarinet Chuck Hudelson and Principal Trumpet Alvin Lowrey, and Aaron Au (violin) and Susan Ekholm (viola) retired after performing with the ESO for 10 and 34 seasons, respectively.

The ESO is supported by the leadership of a seventeen member Board, who has shown utmost leadership and ongoing commitment to the organization. The dedication of Committee Chairs, including Phyllis Clark, Ron New, Jim Carter, Colin Eicher, and Maria David-Evans, further contributes to the ESO’Äôs successes and accomplishments. Ms. Gillian Caldwell resigned from the Board of Directors in March 2009, and in April 2009, Ms. Edith Stacey was appointed. Ms. Esther Ondrack has resigned from the Board of Directors after six years of dedicated service, and in her stead, Reginald Milley, President and CEO of Edmonton Airports, was appointed.

The ESS is immensely grateful to the City of Edmonton through the Edmonton Arts Council, the Province of Alberta through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the Federal Government through the Canada Council for the Arts for their ongoing funding its operations.

Financial statements of the Edmonton Symphony Society are available on the ESO website, or by clicking here.