Symphony NB is celebrating 70 years with an ambitious fundraising campaign to support future growth and new projects.
Matt Carter
On December 12, 1950, the Saint John Symphony Orchestra gave its first performance to a sold out crowd at Saint John High School. The following day, an article ran in the Telegraph Journal titled, “Orchestra Scores Triumph in First Performance”.
Since that night, the Symphony has continued to grow and evolve its role championing classical music and music education throughout the province. The organization officially changed its name to Symphony New Brunswick in August of 1990 to better reflect its province-wide programming and to support fundraising outside the Greater Saint John Area.
To mark the organization’s 70th anniversary, the Symphony New Brunswick Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at securing more than $100,000 for future projects and continued operations. An anonymous donor has agreed to match the first $70,000 raised.
Never before has there been so tremendous an ovation given any musical group in Saint John as was last night accorded the Saint John Symphony Orchestra, making its first appearance. Some 1200 to 1400 had crowded into the High School auditorium for the history-making event, many of them having waited for the opening of the doors an hour and a half before the concert commenced. – Telegraph Journal, December 13, 1950.
“This campaign is the start of a program that will ensure Symphony New Brunswick can continue to thrive for the next 70 years and beyond,” says Reid Parker, president of Symphony New Brunswick and Symphony New Brunswick Foundation. “The story of orchestral music in this province is one of excellence, as well as tenacity. We are building on that legacy. Financial stability allows for great art to continue to be made and performed here.”
Recognized as one of the province’s leading arts organizations, SNB offers an annual season of performances that includes crossover concerts with special guests from outside the realm of classical-based music, an extensive community outreach programming to schools and other organizations and commissions by emerging and established local composers.
“Symphony New Brunswick is essential to our province in so many ways,” Parker says. “Along with providing audiences with top-quality, professional performances, we are an integral part of our province’s cultural and artistic life, as well as our economy.”
Donations can be made by visiting www.snbfoundation.org
