By rdnewsNOW staff

music to their ears

Red Deer Symphony Orchestra elated over new funding as it nears third show of season

Nov 28, 2024 | 4:52 PM

The 38th season of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra plays on, Sunday, Dec. 15, with Messiah, but that’s not all that’s on the minds of those behind the scenes at RDSO.

During recent municipal budget talks, RDSO was approved for ongoing operational dollars from the city of Red Deer.

The funding amounts to $47,000 annually, which will transform, to a significant degree, how the organization is able to operate.

It was earlier this year the RDSO ran a public awareness campaign about the “grim” position in which it had wound up.

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“These funds will enable the RDSO to expand the size and scope of its performances, and contribute to improved organizational capacity and sustainability,” says Matthew Whitfield, executive director.

“The RDSO thanks Red Deer city council and staff, as well as members of the public who wrote emails, sent letters, and voiced their concerns. Because of this support, the RDSO will continue to play an ongoing and vital role in Red Deer’s cultural framework.”

The new funding will replace what RDSO is getting currently through the municipality’s Community Culture Development Fund grants.

As for the show, what is the third Main Concert Series performance of the season will feature the timeless music of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah, presented live in Red Deer for the first time since 2018.

This time, the show takes place at Gaetz Memorial United Church, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to all RDSO events are available online at www.rdso.ca, by phone at (403) 346-0021, and in-person at the RDSO office.