Message from the RSO Executive Director
October 23, 2023
Dear RSO Patron:
This year marks the 115th year of service to Regina and the region of South Saskatchewan, and we are determined to succeed in ensuring that the Regina Symphony Orchestra continues to provide the many services your orchestra brings to you for at least another 115 years!
This year marks the 115th year of service to the community of South Saskatchewan and we are working to ensure your Regina Symphony Orchestra continues to provide the many services they bring to you for another 115 years!
So – where does your money go, and what does an orchestra bring to our community beyond the obvious performances on the stages at which you hear our music?
Library concerts are provided free of charge in Regina, Moose Jaw, and Weyburn, with more South Saskatchewan communities planned for the future. and these free concerts are always at capacity. The RSO has also invested in curriculum-based education videos, which have reached over 33,00 students, teachers, and parents annually, the fourth in the series will be available this fall.
Our community is growing, with many new Canadians arriving annually, and the RSO’s ‘Share the Music’ program provides hundreds of tickets to those moving to the region, at no cost. Many of our new community members from other countries have never experienced the power of orchestral music before or have never been able to afford the experience, as they create their new lives as our friends and neighbours. Your donations ensure we can continue this important initiative.
Free music lessons for students have been on hold this year due to financial constraints, and you can help re-invigorate this important program which primarily serves inner-city schools in Regina. With the school system having to cut expenses, this is now the only way that young people can experience the power and importance of music education.
The expense of concerts greatly exceeds the cost of presentation. 50% of the money from those shows comes from donations, over and above the costs of tickets, so that we can keep our prices low to ensure prices are affordable. Our ‘Soundcheck’ program is in place to help those under age 30 attend for only $20 per show .
The impact of an orchestra on its community cannot be overstated. Many smaller organizations depend on our skilled musicians for their productions. As a cultural cornerstone for South Saskatchewan, it’s critical that we can find new ways forward in this challenging and changing times. You are not only a part of supporting us as we determine how to embrace that change, but just as importantly, a part of the conversation, and along with asking you for support during our fall RSO @ 115 campaign, we would like to hear from you.
Call, write, send an email, but let us know what you think. We know we can’t move forward without your financial support beyond coming to our concerts, and we also know you want to understand what your support actually means. Give us feedback. Ask questions. Let us know what you think of your concert experiences, not only including shows and the music, but what we can further provide.
RSO@115 is not only for the Regina Symphony Orchestra – it’s for you. With your support we can keep these experiences thriving today and for at least another 115 years into the future! We are also here to help, and work with you personally regarding your gift. There’s more information at www.reginasymphony.com – or, you can always call the office at 306-586-9555, as we’re always happy to talk with our audience!
Mike Forrester
Executive Director
