MEDIA RELEASE: CMK awarded $18,000 in operating funding from the Central Okanagan Foundation
Kelowna, BC – Chamber Music Kelowna Society (CMK) is pleased to announce the receipt of a multi-year operating grant awarded by the Central Okanagan Foundation (COF). CMK will receive $18,000 from the Foundation over the next two fiscal years. This new funding will allow us to also recruit volunteer Board members with expertise in educational and community programming to help deliver exciting new offerings.
The expanded programming will include a new concert series above and beyond CMK’s regular five-concert series and the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA), which features established national and international touring performers. The new series will focus on performances by young BC-based artists in the earlier stages of their careers and will be presented at community events and in seniors’ residences across the winter months.
CMK is also considering programming possibilities for next summer. Summer 2021 saw the launch of a well-received collaboration with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra to produce intimate ensemble performances in the backyards of private residences. Given the success of this new series, CMK is looking at offering these backyard concerts again in Summer 2022.
Despite the many challenges faced by the organization during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, CMK has maintained a solid financial position. Even though CMK was forced to cancel its entire 2020/21 Season, the organization remained fully occupied with making plans to ensure our present and future resilience.
The COF’s very significant gift will assist us greatly in building an even more resilient organization in the coming years. As Diane Bond, President of CMK’s Board of Directors commented, “The Central Okanagan Foundation has been a funder of our activities and our efforts to build a well-run musical organization for many years. We are encouraged by the Foundation’s commitment to our strategy to grow our small organization responsibly to enable broader and better services to our region.” Thanks to their generosity, CMK will be able to come back even stronger as our new programming is launched and our main stage performances resume this fall.
Chamber Music Kelowna’s 42nd Season is set to debut on Saturday, October 2, 2021 with a return to the Mary Irwin Theatre at the RCA. The opening night performance will feature Marina Thibeault (viola) and Corey Hamm (piano). Four more performances by renowned Canadian and International artists are scheduled between November 2021 and April 2022.
A subscription renewal campaign for the 2021/22 Concert Season is now underway for series subscribers. Single tickets for all five performances will be made available to the general public on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. For more information about Chamber Music Kelowna, please visit chambermusickelowna.ca.
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About Chamber Music Kelowna
Chamber Music Kelowna presents an annual classical chamber music concert series featuring acclaimed Canadian and international artists. It also facilitates youth outreach programs and provides scholarships for young aspiring musicians, supports emerging artists, and showcases the work of Canadian composers. Support for the organization comes through municipal, provincial, and federal grants, and from sponsors, series subscribers, and private donors. Information about Chamber Music Kelowna, the subscription series, and upcoming concerts can be found at chambermusickelowna.ca
About the Central Okanagan Foundation
Vision: We believe that everyone can leave a legacy. We are the catalyst, building excellence in philanthropy to ensure our communities flourish.
Mission: To contribute to the quality of life in the Central Okanagan through the raising and stewardship of entrusted funds, innovative and diverse granting, and active community leadership.