Brantford Symphony Orchestra received a $8,870 grant from the Ontario Arts Council, which is being used for the Refuge Project concert on on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The concert features award winning guest artists ‘Sultans of String’ and immigrant musicians who will provide an opportunity for our audience to interact with them during a pre-concert talk-back session and a post-concert reception.
“We are also inviting newcomers to attend this event through various means. We feel that it is important to support newcomers in Canada and to help them to feel accepted. Brantford has had an influx of immigrants moving to the city in recent years. In 2021, 15.5% of the population were immigrants, compared to 12/5% in 2016. Though more recent data is not yet available, our social service partners have indicated that the number has grown substantially in the last four years.”
Since the pandemic, concert ticket sales have been lower than normal but are slowly on the rise. Our revenue is not enough to cover production expenses, especially guest artist fees for this special project. Thanks to the $8,870 grant from the Ontario Arts Council this goal is being realized.
“The Arts have struggled for funding in Canada”, said Joann Alho, Co-Chair of the Brantford Symphony Orchestra. “All cultural organizations appreciate and need continued financial support from all levels of government. Sincere thanks to the Ontario Arts Council without whom this important project would not have been feasible.”
The Brantford Symphony Orchestra is committed to keeping music alive. If you wish to enquire about their concerts or education programs, please visit their website at: www.brantfordsymphony.ca
