Where Winnipeg September October 2017 WhereSep-Oct17_Digital | Page 9

cellist arlene Dahl, who has been with the symphony for almost
four decades, continues to feel the anticipation and excitement
of a live performance. one of her most memorable nights, they
played for one thousand recent immigrants to the province. music
transcended language and spoke to the power of the human family,
creating a transformational moment not only for the audience, but
for the musicians as well.
equally moving was the 2014 performance at carnegie hall.
the wso was chosen from more than 30 orchestras across the
continent, and wowed the audience with their all-canadian
program. “what enhanced our experience was not just playing in
that hallowed hall or playing with Dame evelyn Glennie or playing
r. murray schafer’s symphony no. 1,” Dahl says. “when we
walked out and saw almost 1000 manitobans waving their patriotic
red scarves and sharing our victory, that brought the tears.”
the transformative power of music reaches beyond the concert
hall and into the community. as part of its outreach programs,
musicians in healthcare offers performances at various care
facilities in winnipeg, uplifting patients, visitors and staff. the
wso also presents educational programs for more than 40,000
students annually, including sistema, a daily, intensive after-school
music program in winnipeg’s inner city that is offered at no cost
to the students. the impact is substantial, including improved
classroom attendance and grades, greater parent involvement in the
schools, and a growing self esteem in the students.
the orchestra is among canada’s most innovative. now in its
25th year, the new music festival explores new and rarely heard
works by composers from around the world. the festival was
founded by music director Bramwell tovey and the wso’s first
composer in residence, Glenn Buhr. the festival continues to
flourish and draw international attention under the leadership of
alexander mickelthwate.
mickelthwate has been the force driving the symphony for
the past twelve seasons, a fearless promoter of the value of music
in people’s lives. under his direction, the wso has bridged
education and entertainment, gaining a reputation for being both
accessible and compelling. the symphony’s 70th anniversary
season coincides with the final year of alexander mickelthwate as
music director.
“we try to be part of the fabric of the community in every
kind of positive way,” says tracy schroeder, the wso’s executive
Director. “i watch our audience members come in frazzled and
then leave glowing from the experience. one patron said to me,
‘just being here tonight, i was so glad to be alive!’ the wso is
not just relevant but indispensable,” she says. “it’s why we do it.”
for a whole host of winnipeggers -- kids taking in their first
symphony experience during the Kids concert series, local music
fans watching their favourite bands partner with an orchestra,
new music enthusiasts encountering boundary-pushing works,
and season ticket holders delighting in new interpretations of the
classics — schroeder’s words ring true. this world class outfit with
local pride is music to our ears.
To encourage audience attendance, WSO offers a package deal for multiple performances.
Call or visit Travel Manitoba (at The Forks) for a Winnipeg Culture Pass.
september/october 2017
where.ca
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