As Charles Dickens wrote in A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

I reflect on our ‘winter of despair’ that forced us to cancel not one, but two concerts. Ticket sales tell us they were audience favorites. We sincerely regret the disappointment that was caused and we are closely monitoring the financial impact of the bad weather.

You, however, are our spring of hope. As Symphony Nova Scotia reaches the end of the 2014/15 season I invite you to look back on the many highlights from the year that continue to bring you great joy.

With the support of donors like you, the orchestra has played a meaningful role in the cultural life of our community, meeting the musical needs of the young and young at heart alike. Donations helped us offer six free family series concerts that gave more than 1600 children and adults a chance to hear the full orchestra in a relaxed family-friendly environment; another free concert for nearly 600 people in the Paul O’Regan Hall at the new Central Library; two days of education and outreach when the orchestra traveled to Pictou; and more than 60 other performances and community appearances.

We could not do it without you. Every dollar you contribute helps us bring world-renowned artists to Nova Scotia to give exquisite concerts; keeps our talented musicians in our community working with the next generation of players; and delivers many outreach and educational programs. Your donation has an impact on your own life and on that of every single audience member who has heard us perform throughout the province – tens of thousands of people this season alone!

As you look back on the performances you attended and remember the concerts that left you wishing for more, please consider whether you can give a gift this spring to help us replicate that experience for your neighbour, your grandchild, your friend, your colleague. Help us share your orchestra with others.

Sincerely,

Chris Wilkinson
CEO, Symphony Nova Scotia

P.S. Thank you for your past support; it has made such a difference in our community. I hope you will consider another gift this spring.