Wawanesa Insurance provides the WSO musicians ’Ä®with innovative support

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is the celebrated hub of Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 100,000 audience members each year with innovative programming and musical excellence. The WSO presents educational programs for more than 25,000 students annually and tours outside the city reaching out to communities across Manitoba.

Winnipeg, MB ’Äì November 12, 2009 ’Äì Wawanesa Insurance has been a long time corporate donor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) since 1963 by providing financial support throughout most of the life of the orchestra.’Ä®’Ä®

For the 2009/2010 season, Wawanesa Insurance is proud to announce their continued support - but of a different nature! New special symphonic chairs were unveiled at the October 16, 2009 concert, thanks to Wawanesa, that will support the musicians in a more comfortable manner. After 20 years of providing lumbar support, the WSO has said goodbye and retired the long standing red and gold chairs.’Ä®’Ä®

’ÄúThese chairs were specially designed for each WSO musician, taking into account their respective height and ergo dynamic requirements. We went the extra mile to ensure the safety, comfort and physical health of our valued musicians,’Äù said Jean-Francois Phaneuf, Director of Artistic Operations. Two suppliers were engaged in the process, Concert Design and Wenger, and the musicians were consulted as to their specific chair requirements. In fact, each chair is personalized with their respective names.’Ä®’Ä®

George Bass, Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wawanesa Insurance, is delighted to support the musicians in this way. ’ÄúIt was a natural fit with us as an insurance company ’Äì looking out for the best interests of the musicians’Äô physical health allows us to partner with the WSO in a productive way so that they can continue to provide exceptional musical experiences for all Manitobans.’Äù ’Ä®’Ä®

Together, the WSO and Wawanesa Insurance are thrilled to be promoting good health and musical excellence!

Below, viola player Anne Elise Lavallˆ©e models her new chair: