Cowichan Consort Orchestra and Choir, Robert Fox, Mill Bay

The Cowichan Consort Orchestra was founded in September 1991. Organized by Robert Fox and John Evans with help from Joy Ann Bannerman and Ian Gregory, the first rehearsal took place on October 22 at Woodmere on Maple Bay Road with John Evans as conductor.

Bannerman's initial musician list held 41 names as the Cowichan Valley was ripe for the start of a community orchestra. Fox was the first Manager and laid out the debut concert for April 11th 1992 at Brentwood College featuring the Faure Requiem sung by the Duncan Choral Society accompanied by the Orchestra with Evans conducting. The following week two daytime school concerts led by Bannerman were presented.

We are happy to announce Mr Robert Van Mari has been given the position of Conductor-Music Director as we begin our 21st Season.

Concerts are usually performed at the Duncan Christian Reform Church or the Cowichan Community Centre Theatre with the Strauss Ball at Arbutus Ridge.

The Concerto Competition is hosted by Judith and Scott McIvor in Maple Bay each year and the resulting Vancouver Island young musician receives a chance to play with the orchestra. The Monday orchestra and Wednesday evening choir rehearsals are held weekly in Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay.

Performing a widely varied program of music mainly from classical literature, the orchestra meets a fresh challenge to its members with each of its concerts. New players are welcome, new choir members also, with the season running September to May.