The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra's music director Rosemary Thomson received the Honour in the Arts award at the City of Kelowna 41st annual Civic Awards held April 27 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
“We are thrilled that our very own was the 2015 Honour In the Arts Award recipient," said Ginette Williams, director of the OSO board. “She has a passionate commitment to bring music to the young with presentations in schools and other public arenas; she co-conducts the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra and the extensive OSO Outreach programs originate from Rosemary's ideas and creativity. She is an ambassador for the Okanagan’s musical reputation by conducting in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver."
Kelowna's Civic and Community Awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievements in the Kelowna community each year. Mayor Colin Basran said: "These awards allow us the opportunity to honour and applaud the efforts of our outstanding citizens as we recognize the many groups and individuals who contribute to the success of this great city."
“Rosemary Thomson is one of the few recognized professional female orchestra conductors in Canada. She is music director of the OSO, the third largest professional orchestra in B.C. Each concert generates an economic impact of over $71,000 in Kelowna (City of Kelowna, 2012-2017 Cultural Plan), and we are pleased to have her a part of our community,” notes Williams.
View Rosemary Thomson’s acceptance speech at: https://www.facebook.com/ryandonnkelowna/videos/10154176053543552/ video by Ryan Donn.
The OSOhas been entertaining residents of the Okanagan Valley since 1960. To learn more about the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra visit their website at www.okanagansymphony.com or follow at www.twitter.com/OKSymponyOrch or www.facebook.com/OkanaganSymphonyOrchestra.