Guest Blogger: Our special guest contributor for this blog post is Trudy Schroeder, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Over many decades, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has been fortunate to have the interest, support and encouragement of Mr. Bill Loewen. As he celebrates his birthday this month and TelPay celebrates 30 years of existence, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra wants to recognize the important role that Mr. Loewen and Telpay have played in the success of the WSO.
From the earliest days of his involvement with the WSO, Mr. Loewen included services of his companies in with his support of the symphony. The WSO is probably among the first clients of TelPay and we have been very happy with the service and relationship with this innovative and client oriented company. For many years Telpay has sponsored a summer season with performances at the Forks, Lyric Theatre and Kenora during the months when the WSO had previously been absent from the community. Both Bill and Shirley Loewen have been active parts of the continuing vitality and musical service of the WSO to the larger community.
The Musicians Association of the WSO has described Bill’s importance to the WSO in the following way:
“Mr. Loewen has served the WSO for over thirty years in many capacities. As a Board Member and Board President, his deep insight into the symphonic business combined with his acumen as a highly successful entrepreneur made a material difference to this organization. When the finances of the WSO were in total disarray, and its ability to continue seriously in doubt, it was Mr. Loewen who stepped forward to initiate the turn around. It was Mr. Loewen who identified key people to successfully rebuild the Board. Today, when the perilous life of Symphony Orchestras is a topic in many communities, and the environment in which orchestras have to function is increasingly complex and difficult, the example that Mr. Loewen has demonstrated, not once, but many times stands as a beacon of what excellence is in volunteerism. Consummate skill, dedication and devotion, competence, consistency, and a deep sense of community that has earned the respect of all elements of the organization—these are the description of his qualities and values.”
In addition to the above, Mr. Loewen and Telpay are premier sponsor Millennium Concert Series that has provided an opportunity to showcase the artistry of people who are resident in this community. This summer series is free to the public, and has attracted thousands of people to enjoy performances in the spectacular Millennium Centre located in downtown Winnipeg.
Mr. Loewen’s generosity is not limited to the musical arts. He has supported numerous projects that reflect his commitment as a builder of this community.
Mr. Loewen’s contribution to the WSO has been recognized with a Golden Baton Award and the title of Director Emeritus of the WSO. More than anything, we have valued his advice, his friendship, and his genuine love for symphonic music.
Happy Birthday to Bill Loewen and to TelPay. Best wishes for many more years of success in business and life from your friends at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.