Give the gift of music

This year, the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra is inviting the community to give the gift of music.

“We’ve made it easy to donate over the phone or online and avoid the crowds,” said Dawn Cattapan, executive director of the SSO, said.

“For us, the holiday donation drive is key to helping us maintain one of the leading symphonies in the North.”

Funds raised through the holiday drive ensure that symphony musicians can reach out to future generations of music lovers and continue to enrich the lives of our community.

“In addition to fantastic concerts, we also do a lot of outreach in the community and classrooms,” Cattapan said. “But we rely on the support of individual donors to assist us in continuing to provide these opportunities.”

In addition to the highly successful Tunes and Tales program, the SSO also runs a Conservatory of Music, which provides lessons to musicians of all ages. During the most recent season, the SSO introduced classical music to more than 2,100 people outside of the concert hall. This number is expected to grow this season with the introduction of the in-school Wolfie Goes to School program.

This year there is an emphasis on individual donations to ensure the success of the Orchestra with individual donors making up a large portion of the operating budget for the symphony.

“As government funding tightens up in tougher economic times, it’s vital for our continued sustainability to reach out to the community,” Cattapan said. “Each gift helps us continue to provide the high level of programming Sudburians have come to expect.”

Donations can be made for as little as $35 per year, with donors receiving recognition and invitations to exclusive symphony events.

As a registered charity, tax receipts are provided for all donations of $35 or more. Interested donors can pledge securely over the phone by contacting the SSO at 705-673-1280, or online at Canadahelps.org by searching for Sudbury Symphony Orchestra.