• Founding members were:  Wendy N. Panattoni, H. Miles, Don MacDonald, Michael Fenwick, C. Sawchuk

• The original name was The Kootenay Chamber Orchestra Association, later to be renamed The Symphony of the Kootenays.

• The Symphony of the Kootenays, through the efforts of our artistic and musical director, participates in an active educational outreach program, bringing classical orchestra music to the classroom.

• The orchestra has entertained more than 80,000 audience members, employed more than 5,500 musicians playing more than 600 pieces in more than 225 concerts.

• We are the smallest community in Canada to host a professional symphony orchestra.

• Musicians are paid professional fees for service.  Students are given an honorarium.

• Each concert costs approximately $25,000.  We strive to cover 45 percent of costs via ticket sales.

• The remainder is through funding bodies, sponsors, donors, advertisers and memberships

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