Lethbridge Symphony hosting annual fundraiser gala

By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 27, 2024.

Steffanie Costigan
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Lethbridge Symphony will be hosting its annual fundraising gala next month.

The theme of the gala – “Springtime in Paris” – was inspired by La Rive gauche, meaning the left bank of the Seine River which has long been associated with art, and will feature live French music, French dining, along with a live silent auction.

New to the event, a local artist will capture a unique painting which will be auctioned off by the end of the evening.

Lethbridge Symphony committee chair and board representative Cathie Martin-Weersink shared what community members can expect.

“They can expect our very talented musicians from the symphony, some of the musicians from the symphony orchestra playing there. We will have painters, we will have a local artist creating a one-of-a-kind painting throughout the evening,” said Martin-Weersink.

Martin-Weersink said the goal this year is $40,000. Last year’s gala the symphony was able to raise $28,000.

Funds raised have a huge impact on the symphony and community.

“This is our major fundraiser, and it’s supports (our) symphony, but it does so many things for our community as well… It supports the kids’ choir that we have in the fall. And kids’ choir is very popular. We get choirs that come and sing with the symphony, and these are school choirs, which is a fabulous opportunity… It helps to pay for things like the “Sound of Music.” We have to buy the rights for that,” she said.

Martin-Weersink voiced the impact she hopes community members will take away from the gala.

“We hope that they will go away from this event with a new appreciation for a lot of creativity. We are incredibly lucky to have our Lethbridge symphony for very, very talented musicians,” she said.

“I hope that the guests come away with real appreciation for the beautiful music,” said Weersink noting the symphony has something for everyone including the classics and music from Broadway.

“We hope that this gala will encourage people to come back and enjoy our concerts.”

The annual fundraising gala is set for April 27  from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge.

Tickets for the gala must be purchased in advance and can be obtained at the Symphony box office or online at lethbridgesymphony.org.