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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 21, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Community support ensures bright future for symphony Continued from page 31 Music teacher Syd Reid stepped up to the podium after Royse's departure, followed by David Miller who conducted from 1987 until 1996. Miller began the practice of hiring professional section leaders to assist the orchestra in achieving a higher level of skill and musicality. A board of directors was officially formed. Performing at the Oakville Waterfront Festival enabled the orchestra to introduce symphonic music to hundreds of Oakville residents. The ensuing years saw enor- mous support grow from the community of Oakville for its orchestra. Today the Oakville Symphony Orchestra is thriving. Under the inspired leadership of Roberto de Clara, conductor for the last decade, it continues to present exciting and challenging programs for its audiences each season. Highlights have included its first performance of Shostakovich Symphony #5 in the centennial year of the composer, and the introduction of a choral series featuring performances of the Brahms and Mozart Requiems. The orchestra now has more than 70 volunteer musicians, plus 10 professionals providing leadership and inspiration. Performances by young soloists as well as established guest artists are featured in each concert. All this combined with the work of its dedicated board of directors has resulted in an unprecedented subscription sales of nearly 100 per cent for the past two years. The symphony continues to offer the very successful Young Artist's Scholarship Program and the Hollier Award to stimulate the interest of young people in the community in symphonic music. A new initiative by the symphony's outreach committee has resulted in a series of mini-concerts introducing young children to instruments of the orchestra. This culminated in the fall of 2006 with the first Young People's Concert featuring the full orchestra. Thanks to the sponsorship of many local businesses, the Oakville Symphony has flourished. Financial support from the Friends of the O.S.O. program initiated by Janet Jones, enables the symphony to present outstanding guest artists and a thrilling musical repertoire while keeping ticket prices affordable. The dream of a real community orchestra in Oakville envisioned 40 years ago has become a reality. The Oakville Symphony Orchestra moves into its 40th anniversary season having earned the reputation as one of the finest community orchestras in Canada. This year the symphony will present one of its most ambitious seasons to date. Investor's Group, the marquee sponsor, along with other valued sponsors and loyal patrons have ensured another sell-out subscription series. Tickets are available for the symphony's family Christmas Concerts on Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The symphony will be joined by the award-winning Tempus Choir for an afternoon of Christmas selections. Much has changed, but the most important thing remains the same. Every Monday evening local musicians gather from all walks of life in an Oakville high school, for the pure joy of making music together. Happy 40th Anniversary Oakville Symphony Orchestra. Here's to your next 40 years.