WYO enters a new era

Chaired by Brian and Mila Mulroney, co-chaired by Gérard Charlebois and hosted by Ben Mulroney, the event featured baritone Russell Braun and soprano Tracy Smith Bessette.

About 500 guests, including Premier Jean Charest and his wife, Michèle Dionne, mingled at the cocktail, silent auction and concert of opera excerpts under the baton of artistic director Scott Gabriel.

“It was a thrill to have such a festive crowd support the Orchestra,” said Gabriel, “This provides the Orchestra with a new capital of supporters for the decade to come.”

The WYO has been much appreciated in the Montreal community in recent years, “I am so grateful to the generous donors who bring the orchestra the support it needs to reach new heights,” said Mila Mulroney, who was actively engaged in the promotion of the gala. “The volunteers of the gala committee have done a tremendous job.”

“This is the first time we have put together an event of such magnitude,” said Sylvie Mercier, president of the WYO board. “We are so thankful for this public and financial success that will bring the Orchestra the means to expand its training and outreach programs.”

Much of the $175,000 raised came from corporate and individual donations. “This is more or less three times our current budget,” said an enthusiastic Charlebois, president of Fondation aide à la jeunesse, who joined the WYO's board of directors this fall. “This means we can do so much more and plan ahead without having to worry about budgetary constraints.”

Charlebois was quick to thank the long-term partners, 10th anniversary celebration patrons and all the donors, as well as the many parents and volunteers who helped to make the fundraiser such a great success.

Musician Étienne Saint-Louis, a three-year veteran of the Orchestra, spoke glowingly of the event and the musicians themselves. “The cohesion tonight was extraordinary," he said. "Clearly, the WYO is entering a new era.”