The Cowichan Symphony Society celebrated 70 years of classical music with a cherry on top at Cherry Point Wine Estates on July 20, featuring the talents of both baritone singer Gino Quilico, and pianist Robert Holliston.
“The society has had the privilege to invite some of the world’s most talented composers and performers and are very proud of the fact that it has continued for so long,” said Society president Peter Leckie “In many ways there is a certain amount of pride, as well as anticipation of continuing on, so I think in many, many ways we have everything to be proud of. We’ve been very successful at it, and we are looking forward to doing it some more.”
What made this milestone even more special is not only did the society turn 70 this year, but so does Quilico, and Holliston. Attendees were treated a slice of cake, as well as a performance of ‘Happy Birthday’ by Leckie on the bagpipes. Guests also got to experience the sweet sounds of harpist Marilyn Rummel who was joined by a flautist to perform for people as they first arrived, and then again during intermission.
The society’s past season featured strictly Canadian artists starting with Jon Kimura Parker, who has ties to Shawnigan Lake, and finishing up with Angela Hewitt. And of course what’s more Canuck than the Canadian Brass? Their 70th anniversary keeps in tune with this theme, as Holliston is a Victoria native, and while Quilico was born in New York he did all of his classical training in Toronto.
“Gino is an incredibly talented, world recognized, baritone who has sung with both the Metropolitan and Paris Opera,” said Leckie. “He has also worked with some of the greatest conductors including Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, and Seiji Ozawa. In addition to working with the operas, he has also performed in some of the most fantastic pop musicals such as Les Miserables. He is incredibly entertaining not just from a musical standpoint, but also for his humour and the way that that he presents it. Both Quilco and Holliston always provide guests with both incredible talent, and entertainment.”
The sold out event started at 3 p.m. on the button, but classical music connoisseurs can have the chance to don their own button as a part of the society’s latest fundraiser to mark this momentous occasion, which were also sold during the celebration. A donation of $70, which works out to $1 per year the society has been in existence, will get one a bronze button. A silver button is $350, which works out to $5 a year, while a donation of $700, which works out to $10 for each year the CSS has been around, will earn supporters a gold button. Buttons can be purchased at all of the society’s concerts this upcoming season which will get underway on Sept. 27. Those who would like to ‘button up’ before then, can make their donation to treasurer@cowichansymphonysociety.ca, and have delivery arrangements made by contacting Peter Leckie at palmd@island.net.
“All of the money raised from these buttons will go into our endowment fund, which our society was smart enough to establish early on,” said Leckie. “The principle isn’t touched, and the interest gives us a cheque each year anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000 which helps us to bring in these performers and put on the these concert each year. The money in the endowment fund will help to guarantee that the society’s next 70 years will also be funded.”
Members will be able to get their hands on tickets for the upcoming season as early as July 27. Tickets go on sale to the public after Aug. 27, and people will have until the end of the month to take advantage of reserve seating. The society gives the option to mail out season tickets, which can also be purchased in person at the ticket office inside the Cowichan Community Centre.
The talent and fine wine both made for an intoxicating experience as the society revelled in the high standard of music they’ve been bringing to the valley for seven decades.
“It’s was an opportunity for people to appreciate everything about the valley,” said Leckie. “The weather, the agriculture, the wine, the music, not to mention the people and all the generosity that goes with it. It was a true celebration of the Cowichan Valley, and the events that we can enjoy.”
About the Author: Chadd Cawson, Cowichan Valley Citizen
