Music Director and Conductor:
Nobuyoshi Yasuda

Executive Director:
Mark Blaskey

Development Director:
Barbara Brenden

Office:
316 Eau Claire Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701

Phone:
715-832-6366

E-mail:
info@cvsymphony.org

April 2007 newsletter

October 2007 newsletter

November 2007 newsletter

History

In 1975 a small group of musicians got together for the joy of playing the standard classic repertoire. The music was limited to what they could borrow, and Roy Bennett agreed to lead them. By the fall of 1975, when the orchestra was incorporated, 22 string players were in the group, and wind players were invited to join them. Financial resources were meager—they consisted of dues paid by members and the director.

The first concert was presented in 1976 at the Tainter Memorial Theater in Menomonie. In 1977 the CVS became a member of the Association of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras and the American Symphony Orchestra League.

The CVS grew to a membership of 60-65 musicians for the 1978-79 season and remains about the same size today. The State: Regional Arts Center has been home to our office and the location of most concerts since 1988.

In 1978, Music Director Roy Bennett left Eau Claire and guest conductors led the group for a season. Ivar Lunde, a music professor at UW-Eau Claire, became the conductor for the next nine seasons. In 1987, Dr. Merton Johnson arrived to chair the UW-Eau Claire Music Department. He conducted the CVS orchestra from 1988 to 1993. In the fall of 1992, Nobuyoshi Yasuda came to UW-EC to teach violin and conduct the UW-EC Symphony Orchestra. He has been our music director since 1993.

Some Recent Highlights for the Symphony

CVS Foundation
The Chippewa Valley Symphony Endowment Trust was established in 1997 and is now a fundamental part of the Symphony’s financial picture. The donations given to the Endowment Trust are gifts for the Symphony’s future.

Friends of the Symphony
The 'Friends of the Symphony', a small but mighty group, sponsors events such as the Garden Stroll and the Christmas Stroll to earn funds for the CVS.

The Symphony goes to School
In 1998, the Education Committee piloted a program for musicians to visit the classrooms of 2nd grade students. This program has been successfully expanded every year and now visits are made to every school in Eau Claire, as well as some in Altoona and Chippewa Falls.

Musician Remuneration
For the first 27 years our musicians were volunteers. In 2001, the Board of Directors voted to provide remuneration for them, which increased the budget greatly. The annual campaign has been instrumental in raising these funds.

Kristo Orthodontics Young Artist Competition
Young musicians from 14 to18 in Wisconsin and Minnesota are welcome to enter the Kristo Orthodontics Young Artist Competition.  An application form is submitted with a recording of a movement of a concerto or aria.  The orchestra material must be readily available for the orchestra to obtain.  Three cash prizes are awarded and the winner is invited to perform the competition selection with the orchestra at our March 8, 2007 concert.  To have an application form sent to you, please contact the Symphony at 715-832-6366 or info@cvsymphony.org.