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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 21, 2007 - 31 Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 Oakville Symphony celebrates 40 years of making music By Jennifer Peace SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The Oakville Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and promises a season worthy of the occasion. Founded in 1967 by local musician and educator Kenneth Hollier, with a mission statement to "make music for the pleasure of its members and the enjoyment of its audience," the O.S.O. has certainly achieved this goal. The Oakville Beaver reported in 1968 that a small group comprised of three flutes, an oboe, two horns, a trombone, and a variety of strings met for the first rehearsal in the music room at T. A. Blakelock High School. Among them were current O.S.O. members Jean Grieve (cello), Janet Jones (violin), Paul Lancaster (oboe) and Sandy Bainbridge (french horn). They began their project with dedication, ambition and optimism. "Who knows, but within a few short years we might have established our own symphony orchestra, our own concerts with local talent, and maybe, just maybe, our own auditorium," Ray Stefenze told the Beaver in March of 1968. Although the first few years were reportedly challenging, the newly formed orchestra thrived under the leadership of Hollier. The first concert was held at the YMCA on June 24, 1968, and consisted of a well-received selection of popular classics. From here the orchestra rapidly grew, presenting collaborations with the Clarkson Opera Society, and the White Oaks Choral Society. Soon mini-concerts of chamber groups comprised of orchestra members were performing in various venues around the area. Concerts moved to churches and high school auditoriums as the dream of a real theatre was still unfulfilled. The year 1973 saw the untimely death of Ken Hollier. New conductor David Gray succeeded Hollier, performing a more challenging repertoire, continuing a series of children's concerts, and initiating a pops concert in memory of its founder. The well loved local composer and educator, Anthony (Tony) Royse rose from the bassoon section to conduct the orchestra from 1976-1983. In 1977 the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts was finally completed, providing a new venue for the Oakville Symphony. These years saw more collaboration with other arts organizations, including the Oakville School of Ballet for which Tony wrote three original ballets performed with the Oakville Symphony. Musicians from Royse's regime remember fondly his wit, his talent, and his enthusiasm. LOOKING BACK: Above is an article that ran in The Oakville Beaver in 1978 about the Oakville Symphony Orchestra. At left is a picture taken that same year of auxiliary members Dorothy Hollier, Janet Jones and Ruth Pease. See Community page 32 #1 Selling Starland Lowest Price Ever! Starland Ultra-Premium Posturepedic Queen Sleep Set SAVE $ Also available in Kingsize Reg. $2399.97 Save $800.00 Sale Price $1599.97 STRLNDQPK/STRLNDKPK Crown Jewel Sleep Set In Canada SAVE 800 $ Reg. $1799.97 800 999 SALE PRICE · Free Removal of Old Sleep Set. · Free Delivery to Cottage Country. 97 While Quantities Last! MADE WITH SPACE AGE MEMORY FOAM & PRESSURE RELIEVING LATEX Plus Do Not Pay UNTIL 2009* Now with 23 locations and growing! The Brick Sells MORE Sealy than anyone else in Canada! Shop our entire mattress selection NOBODY BEATS... Oakville 310 N. Service Rd. W., QEW & Dorvall (905) 337-9993 @thebrickmattressstore.com PRICE G complete deta ils. We will beat an competitor's com y parable offer on a com parable product by 10 %. See in-store for UARANTEE *OAC only on your Brick Card Platinum .Minimum purchase $250. Any Brick delivery charges, applicable taxes and administration fee ($99.95) are payable at time of purchase. Balance due January 2009, Interest may accrue for the final 25 days prior to the promotion's payment due date but will be waived if the payment of the balance is made in full by the due date. +Free gifts cannot be combined with any other discount or free gift offers. One FREE gift per purchase. *Does not apply to products that are exclusive to The Brick. ** With minimum purchase of $999 sleep set and the purchase of an appropriate bedframe. *** When you purchase a mattress pad or UV3 protection. Free Delivery with purchase on Brick Card Platinum. Certain restrictions and limitations may apply. See in-store for complete details. Offer expires September 30th, 2007.