Let us introduce ourselves…

The PSO Mission: The PSO is a prominent and recognized element of Peterborough’s cultural community, serving and partnering with the people of Peterborough region, existing as an example of musical excellence, cultural championship, social inclusiveness and perpetual personal development for the present and long-term enjoyment of symphonic music.

Artistic Policy & Role
The most important objective of the PSO is the continued improvement of the orchestra’s musical quality as well as audience education and development. Michael Newnham, Music Director, and the Program Committee jointly propose the coming season’s program, taking into account budget, the orchestra’s abilities, audience preferences, and the availability of professional soloists. The PSO features excellent soloists of national stature, as well as promoting exceptional members of the orchestra.

A Brief History
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded in 1967, and has been built on the successive experience of seven music directors prior to Mr. Newnham. In the 2000~2001 season, the PSO underwent an extensive search for a new music director, auditioning four guest conductors throughout the season. Michael Newnham was the successful candidate and has proven to be an invaluable asset to this organization since coming on board in June 2001.

In the spring of 2005 the PSO hired Tori Owen as General Manager. Tori is a graduate of the Humber College Arts Administration and Cultural Management Program, received her Bachelor of Music Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Master of Music Performance from the University of Western Ontario. She is an accomplished oboist and performs as Principal Oboe with the PSO.

The PSO is now operating with a very firm and qualified base in place.

“It’s all about the Sound”
The PSO’s 2005-2006 season continues to push the envelope in all areas, from daring Main Series repertoire to new programmes like the “Imagine: The Music of the Beatles” pops crossover concert to a new commissioned work by Ronal Royer for Mozart’s 25oth birthday. New also this season is a partnered Outreach program with the Bobcaygeon Music Council for special presentations on Mozart’s birthday, January 27th, 2006. Our soloists are recognized across the nation and even across borders, with the doubly-talented Guy Few, Westben’s own Brian Finley, Concertmaster and Principal Cello of the Canadian Opera Company, Marie Berard and Roberta Janzen, and Principal Flute of the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

The Structure
The music director, principal strings, volunteer co-ordinator and bookkeeper are paid on a contractual basis, our general manager is the only full-time staff. The librarian and personnel manager are both paid a minimal honorarium. The balance of the orchestra members are volunteers with a few paid musicians being added on a per-concert basis to fill in any instrumental voids. The Board of Directors currently is comprised of eight people. There are several committees, namely: Children’s Concert, Development, Marketing, Policies & Procedures, Program and Orchestral Players.

A pool of approximately 50 volunteers outside of the orchestra assist in all of the above committees and special event functions depending on their skills and interests. The PSO recognizes the need to sustain and cultivate a skilled and enthusiastic volunteer base and has addressed this through the hiring of our new Volunteer Co-ordinator, Judi Wilson.

Our Future The energy is high and the commitment is strong, but PSO resources (both financial and human) continue to be the limiting factor. That is why our volunteers are so valued: people are the PSO’s greatest resource. Consider for a moment where we would be without our musicians? They are for the most part volunteers. Where would we be as an organization without our Board of Directors? Volunteers, everyone.

The future of symphonic music in Peterborough depends upon building on our volunteers’ dedicated work. You know who you are; PSO needs and appreciates your help. THANK YOU!