Giving Tuesday

Imagine a world without music. Unimaginable, really. The power of music elevates our spirits, builds community, and heals.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” Billy Joel 

The musicians and staff of the VSO are fortunate to be emersed in the power of music each and every day. However, we recognize that perhaps people in the rush of busy lives might sometimes forget about the vital importance of music. I’m writing to remind you. I’m writing especially to remind you on this Giving Tuesday. I’m inviting you to remember the power of music when making your charitable gifts today. What does music mean to you? Is there a song that is special to someone in your family? Which music brings back unforgettable memories to you? To your loved ones? 

The VSO was so deeply touched to be able to welcome you back to a full concert hall this fall…. finally. However, along with many other arts and culture organizations across Canada, we are still building back our organization and audience. After two unique seasons, with your generosity and support from the government, we were able to keep the music playing through the most difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that we helped you cope with some of the challenges we’ve all faced.

I’m all too aware that there will also be difficult decisions ahead. Audiences are smaller than pre-pandemic as many people are still understandably cautious about taking part in in-person events. As such, this season we will be relying on donations from our loyal audience. Your gift will help us continue to build your VSO into an organization with the resiliency to survive any challenge that the future holds for us. In the face of diminished support from other sources, you, as one of our beloved audience members, can play a part in building your VSO for the next decade and beyond. We are not only building back but we are building back better! 

It’s my great joy to announce that our generous VSO supporters, The Bruendl Foundation, are offering to match all Giving Tuesday donations to the VSO up to a total of $20,000 and The Bruendl Foundation will also match new monthly donations started today for the first 12 months of gifts. You can double the impact of your support with a gift today.

We are working diligently to bring the VSO to you in numerous ways. You’ll be seeing some changes that we are really excited about at the VSO, to reach new audiences and communities, without sacrificing any of the VSO performances that you love or your experience of the orchestra in the concert hall. But we can’t do this without your help. 

If you can, please consider making a gift today, to the VSO or other local music organizations that you are passionate about and be part of building a resilient arts sector in our city. And remember, your gifts to the VSO will be matched today!

Sincerely

Angela Elster
President & CEO