In May, during Orchestras Canada’s Managers’ Meetings in Quebec City, representatives from 35 of our member orchestras unanimously committed to meeting with their Members of Parliament before October 31 to talk about
• the orchestra’s work in the MP’s riding
• the people served by the orchestra’s programs
• the impact of current federal funding programs on the orchestra – and, by extension, the communities it serves
• the orchestra’s plans for the future
• specific federal policy and program initiatives that could, if implemented, further strengthen the orchestra and its ability to deliver its mission.

Along with Concordia University communications intern Irenedice-B Morin (at OC for the month of July), our colleagues at Everson Public Affairs, and OC’s advocacy committee, I’m now hard at work on finalizing a case for support on which each of our member orchestras can draw.

Of course, each orchestra is going to have its own story to tell and its own case to make. I think my job is to put their individual stories in context, to create a composite national picture about how our sector is doing.

And here’s what I’m seeing: as challenging as the current economic environment may be, success stories from Canadian orchestras are not isolated points of light in an otherwise dismal sky. They’re part of a national trend towards artistic vitality, community contribution and support, sound management and governance, and commitment to innovation.

At this point, I am NOT suggesting that we stress the many and significant needs of Canadian orchestras when we talk about what we are doing. We know the needs are real, and it’s hard to think of even one person closely associated with a Canadian orchestra who doesn’t feel them acutely. At the same time, by inviting elected officials to learn something about the remarkable things that Canadian orchestras are doing, we’re inviting them to work with us to make a better future possible.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? I’d like to hear about it. Comment away!

Katherine Carleton