President’s Message – November 2025
Dear Friends –
Welcoming Tafelmusik
It’s been quite some time since CMK was first approached to engage Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra led by Rachel Podger, Principal Guest Director as part of their current western tour. Since then, there has been what seems like an endless series of tasks to be completed and checked off. Logistics for most of our presentations are pretty straightforward since the number of performers coming to town is small. Not so with a touring orchestra. This one brings 17 musicians and 2 tour managers.
Managers with Tafelmusik are very experienced at touring the group so they provide a very detailed list of requirements specifying everything from type of hotel to rehearsal times to stage set-up. Then there’s the matter of catering for the touring company. Our volunteers at CMK have been very busy making all the local arrangements with the help of the Okanagan Symphony – which owns the harpsichord we will be using – the management at the Grand, Bistro Roma Nord and the bus company supplying local transport. It requires a cast of dozens. We appreciate all the work everyone is doing. Thank you!
The performance is, as you would expect, SOLD OUT but you can always check to see if there are any returns in the days before the performance. Check for returns online at theboxoffice.ca or you can call 250-469-8940 during business hours. And, if you are a ticketholder but find yourself unable to attend, please call the Box Office to donate your seat(s) for resale so another music-lover can enjoy the performance. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
Special thanks to this performance’s sponsor, Odlum Brown, and to our many subscribers who donate generously and faithfully to CMK and enable our small organization to undertake this kind of project. We feel privileged to be able to make this very special musical treat available to residents of the Valley.
Upcoming Appearance by the Vancouver Chamber Choir
The RCA is presenting the VCC on Saturday, December 6th . The Vancouver Chamber Choir, conducted by Kari Turunen, will perform True North, a selection of choral works by composers from Canada, Estonia, Denmark, Latvia, and other northern countries. Each work is inspired by the unique landscapes of northern regions. You can purchase tickets at theboxoffice.ca.
City of Kelowna Cultural Plan
Once again, the City of Kelowna is updating its Cultural Plan. You can participate by filling out the survey which is found at https://getinvolved.kelowna.ca/cultural-plan. The City is one of CMK’s operating funders and we hope you will demonstrate the importance you assign to this role by letting them know. The deadline is coming up on November 17th .
See you at the Tafelmusik concert!
With all best wishes,
Diane