It is with great compassion and caring that we announce that our Music Director Dina Gilbert has been recently diagnosed with cancer. Although Dina is in good spirits and is being well looked after, she will be reducing her conducting duties over the next few months to focus on her own wellbeing and to receive the necessary treatments for a healthy recovery.
We are all very supportive of her and are glad she is receiving the care she needs at this time. However, this unfortunately means that she will be unable to conduct the remaining concerts of our 2021-22 Season.
With Dina’s support and input, we are happy to say that we have secured guest conductors for all remaining performances this Season:
- The Essence of Mahler on Saturday, March 12, 2022 in Kamloops & Sunday, March 13, 2022 in Salmon Arm will now be conducted by
Nadège Foofat, who was previously scheduled to make her appearance with us in February 2022.
- We are delighted to welcome back our Music Director Emeritus Bruce Dunn, to conduct Luminous Voices, on Saturday, April 16, 2022.
- And finally, both iskwē & the KSO, on Thursday, April 21, 2022 and Beethoven & Tabla on Saturday, April 23, 2022 will be conducted by Bradley Thachuk, Music Director of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra.
“I, of course, deeply regret having to miss our upcoming productions, which I was greatly anticipating.” Dina says. “Please know that I am optimistic for the future: we will meet again soon! I can’t wait to be back in Kamloops to share more vibrant musical moments with our audiences and musicians!”
We look forward to continuing our work with Dina as Music Director and planning even more engaging programming for the community here in the Interior. We know when the time is right, Dina’s return to Kamloops will be as energetic and uplifting as ever.
With compassion,
The Kamloops Symphony Team