Thanks from the Prince William Symphony

Bob Pugh
Published: April 30, 2008

The Prince William Symphony Orchestra (PWSO) wrapped up its mainstage season last weekend with standing ovations to our Opera Gems concert. We’ve performed this year to record audiences, expanded season ticket sales many fold and received accolades from supporters and concert-goers alike who agree that the PWSO has never sounded better.

I extend the PWSO board’s thanks and gratitude to all who helped us complete such a successful season. Our volunteers, sponsors and individual donors have all contributed. Our new management under Music Director David Montgomery and General Manager Claire Sutherland has raised the bar for musical excellence in Prince William County. In particular, we thank our fine professional musicians. Many have been with us for years and others have joined us more recently. All share a commitment to elevating the quality of life for members of our community.

The PWSO, started in 1972, has grown into Prince William County’s keystone professional musical organization. The county has grown and changed tremendously over these past 36 years. The PWSO is growing and changing also to serve the needs of its new community. This season we added a baroque concert series in partnership with the Manassas Museum to complement our mainstage concert series and our Sounds of a Symphony series in partnership with the Prince William County library system. These series will all return next season, in addition to our ongoing outreach to young people and the community.

Our final event this season will be the annual Symphony Gala on May 10. In keeping with both tradition and changes in our community, we will offer Strauss waltzes as well as a new work by Haitian composer Ludovic Lamothe to add a romantic, Caribbean flair to the evening. Please join us for great music, food and dancing.

As always, the PWSO needs your support to build on our success. Please visit http://www.pwso.org for information on our 2008 to 2009 season and how you can help. You can also register there to attend the gala. Happy listening!

BOB PUGH

President, Prince William   Symphony Orchestra