On October 10, the Regina Symphony Orchestra presented arts patron Jacqueline Shumiatcher with an honorary life membership.  The RSO’s citation for Ms Shumiatcher tells why:
Jacqui’s involvement with the Symphony has been long standing. During the 1950’s, not only was she a subscriber, but she was involved with the Regina Symphony Women’s Association. During the 1970’s she joined the Board of Governors and served as the first chair for advertising. As a patron and donor we know her for the banners that hang above the stage during the Masterworks concerts and the very popular Pops series and it doesn’t stop there. In supporting local composers such as David McIntye and Elizabeth Raum and for introducing Regina audiences to Hung Kuan Chen, husband of a close family member. Most re-cently being a member of the RSO’s Centennial Committee and attending almost every RSO event—from Chamber Players shows at Bushwakkers to our Masterworks, Pops and Special concerts—she is a true lover of music! The Regina Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to honour Jacqui as a lifetime member of the RSO family.”  Congratulations to all!
 
Louis Bernier, board chair of the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil has confirmed the appointment of Gilles Choquet in the role of directeur général of both the OSDL and its Foundation.  M. Choquet comes to the role with over 30 years’ professional experience with major financial institutions.  He has also been an active volunteer with the orchestra. 

The National Arts Centre has recently announced some changes in the Centre’s Communication team.  Long-time National Arts Centre Orchestra communications officer Jane Morris will be retiring at the end of October, after 32 years at the NAC.  As she stated in her farewell email, “it has been a wonderful, thrilling, challenging, occasionally glamorous place to spend these many years, and I wouldn’t have stayed so long if I hadn’t enjoyed it so much. To be in an environment through which a steady stream of performing artists flows has been a constant delight, and I have had the pleasure of working with a wide assortment of dedicated, hard-working and talented colleagues.”  Ms Morris will be succeeded by Gerald Morris, who has been serving as the NAC’s Dance Communications Officer.

And, late last week, the NAC announced the appointment of veteran journalist Rosemary Thompson as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the NAC, effective November 2.  She succeeds Jayne Watson, who has been appointed CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation.  “We are thrilled to have Rosemary on board,” said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. “She brings a pan Canadian view to the position, having lived in both the eastern and western parts of Canada. Her experience and extensive contacts will be invaluable as we continue working with artists, arts organizations and arts educators across the country.”