Orchestras Canada

Orchestras Canada has just opened nominations for the annual Orchestras Canada Betty Webster Award, our way of recognizing outstanding contributions to the Canadian orchestral community.

This annual prize celebrates those who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian orchestras, and provides us with an opportunity to champion the accomplishments of our colleagues. Established in 2002 to honour Orchestras Canada’s founding Executive Director, the Award pays tribute to Betty Webster’s accomplishments in her advancement of Orchestras Canada and its members. In particular, sustained and significant contributions in the areas of leadership, education and volunteerism are honoured.

A wonderful array of individuals and organizations have been recognized with the Orchestras Canada Betty Webster Award since 2002, from volunteers to managers to musicians, conductors and leading musical organizations.

The nomination process is streamlined and simple. Just fill out the nomination form and send it to Orchestras Canada by the May 1st deadline, along with a biography of the nominee, letters of support, and a letter from the nominator outlining the particular qualifications of the nominee for this award.

Please take a moment to reflect on the wonderful work being done by individuals and organizations in your community, and then take a few moments more to complete the nomination form. This is an excellent means of honouring our peers while advocating for orchestras in Canada. For more information, please visit orchestrascanada.org.

The Niagara Symphony has announced the appointment of Karen A. Bannister to the new position of Resource Development Manager effective November 9, 2009 – completing the Symphony’s new administrative team.  Ms Bannister holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honors degree in Drama from Queen’s University and a Psychology degree from McMaster University. She is also a graduate of the Income Managers Program, which trains individuals in fundraising and marketing principles specific to the arts community.  She began her career at the Canadian Stage Company in Toronto but for the past six years has worked in various resource development positions at the Shaw Festival – from Marketing Manager and Corporate Sponsorship Manager to her most recent position as Senior Associate of Membership. Karen resides in Niagara Falls with her husband and young son.
 
The Regina Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Brenda Sherring, who will serve as the orchestra’s Interim Executive Director during Natasha Bood‘s one-year maternity leave.  Ms Sherring began her duties at the RSO on October 26. 

Earlier this week, Betty Webster (former Executive Director of Orchestras Canada) was one of twenty Ontarians to be awarded the Ontario Senior Achievement Award, at a ceremony in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park.  The awards recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to their communities after turning 65 – and we were proud to have played a role in Betty’s nomination!