Even in
the depths of the Great Depression there were people dedicated to
bringing nationally and internationally renowned artists to
Kelowna. An article appeared in the local paper (probably the
Daily Courier as it is now called) on December 17, 1986, describing a
group of arts starved individuals who started a concert association
in 1934, and names the Canadian Concert Association as the agent
which was paid $150 for each service it procured for visiting
artists.
The
problem of raising sufficient funds to pay for the performers, and
sometimes their instruments, resulted in a major campaign in 1935 to
sell 300 season tickets at $2 each for three concerts (the break-even
point). It was a hard sell, but eventually, with extensive
advertising in the Daily Courier, Capital News and CKOV radio, 269
members attended the first concert with Nancy Reed, a pianist,
followed by John Goss, "well known English baritone". The group
rented the High School auditorium for $25 for three concerts!
Unfortunately we have limited information as to what happened to this
group or how long they continued. We do, however, have records
of concerts being performed in1950 for the Kelowna and District
Celebrity Concert Association. The overall management was by W.
Colson Leigh Inc., New York, and the Western Tour was organized by
Celebrity Concerts (Canada) Ltd., Winnipeg.
From 1957
to 1960, concerts were arranged by The Civic Music Association (presumably
a local organization),‚"courtesy
of Civic Concert Service Inc. of New York". This evidence has been
gleaned from a number of the actual concert programs saved by members
over the years.
From 1960
to1962, the Community Concert Association arranged for concerts to be
presented through Community Concerts of Canada, 77 Metcalfe St.,
Ottawa, who were affiliated with Columbia Artist Management, New
York.
From 1962
to1966, the Overture Concert Association, which was organized by
George Zukerman of Vancouver, presented concerts sponsored by the
local Kelowna group. George is still active in the music
business in his role as a professional bassoonist and as a very
successful impresario. He has marketed some excellent concerts
to the present KCCA and was instrumental in organizing Ben Heppner's
B.C. tour in 2007.
In1967,
another group of arts lovers stepped forward and initiated a move to
consolidate a professional concert series in Kelowna, and to ensure
they were presented at an affordable price; many of these people
remain as members today. Unfortunately, we have limited records
about the activities or names of these members and their leaders, but
eventually their dream was fulfilled and the present Kelowna
Community Concert Association
(KCCA) was formally incorporated as a society in 1985 with Dorothy
Boyle as president.
From 1969
to1994, Community Concert Association again presented concerts
organized by Community Concerts of Canada in Ottawa, a division of
Columbia Artist Management Canada Ltd., who were affiliated with
Columbia Artists Management Inc., New
York.
The concerts were selected from a "menu" circulated each year by the
parent company.
Unfortunately,
by 1994 this arrangement was no longer viable when the exchange rate
changed so much that the artists, most of whom were American, were
unaffordable. Now the selection is made through Canadian and
American artist management groups with whom KCCA has an excellent
working relationship; the concerts always feature national or
international artists with proven performance records and are always
sold out.
In the
early days, memberships for three concerts were $15 for adults, and
our records show that in 1975 the theatre charged us $390 for three
concerts. Today it is closer to $1,000 per concert! The
membership fees, however, are still a bargain at $60 for five
concerts (2009-2010 price).
Some of
the more recent concerts have included: The Kim Duo (1996); Tillers
Folly (1999); The Gryphon Trio (2000); The Elmer Issler Singers
(2004); Tafelmusik (2005); Ben Heppner (2007); Goh Ballet (2007).
Past
presidents of the Kelowna Community Concert Association include
Marjorie Denroche, Margaret Moisey, Marie Williams, Dorothy Boyle
(first president of KCCA), Marnie Sullivan, Herb Sullivan and
Marcella Ploegman-Wilbur.
KCCA
values its relationship with all the arts organizations in Kelowna
but in particular those groups dedicated to the production and
presentation of classical music and entertainment. Although it
does not share the common need for sponsors and public funding, the
organization is supportive of all efforts to expose the public to
this kind of entertainment and willingly enters into partnership
towards that end. The Okanagan Symphony Society, Ballet Kelowna
and Chamber Music Kelowna are examples of groups that share the same
values in the pursuit of cultural experiences for the citizens of
Kelowna.
The
success of this organization is entirely due to its volunteers; no
management fees are paid and help is always willingly given.
The cost of membership is predicated on selling out the house before
engaging the artists, all of whom are professionals who earn their
living from their craft. A vigorous renewal campaign takes
place each spring which relies heavily on the good will and loyalty
of the members. At the time of writing, there are 180 people on
a waiting list!
It should
also be mentioned that KCCA has an excellent relationship with the
Kelowna Community Theatre. In the early days we rented an empty
building and had to supply everything ourselves from piano tuning and
lighting experts, to front of house volunteers and ticket takers; now
the theatre provides these services, but we need less volunteers.
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