Thank you to the wonderful people who have stood by Rosemary's side, who spoke up for justice and demanded restitution!  As you may have already read on Kelowna Now or Castanet, Rosemary will be back on stage next weekend and has accepted the title of Conductor Emeritus. She wanted to share this personal message with you:

"I am thrilled to let you know that I will be conducting the final concert weekend of the OSO 2023/2024 season.  "Bring on Beethoven" will feature the Egmont Overture,the Piano Concerto #5 "Emperor" featuring guest artist Ian Parker, and Symphony No. 7, one of my favourite pieces.  This symphony was the very first piece that I ever conducted and was also the first symphony that I conducted as Music Director of the OSO in 2007.  I know that I would not have made it back on the stage if it wasn't for the incredible support that I have received from this wonderful community, both locally and nationally.  I will be forever grateful for your advocacy, and the hundreds of private messages that I have received in addition to the fortitude of this petition.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!  

If you are in the Okanagan and would like to see the shows I would be so glad to see you there.  Friday the 10th in Kelowna, Saturday the 11th in Penticton and Sunday, the 12th in Vernon (matinee). I will be in the lobby after and hope that you will say hello.  

Beethoven is one of my favourite composers.  I know that it's partly the relentless sense of rhythmic drive contrasted with slow melodies of incredible pathos.  Perhaps, my favourite thing about Beethoven's music is how convincingly he moves us from a feeling of musical oppression to a feeling of triumph.  This feeling perfectly captures the past five months for me and I am so looking forward to finishing these concerts with triumph.  With sincere gratitude, Rose"