For Curt and Cathy Vossen, supporting the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is about recognizing the role the arts play in making Winnipeg a vibrant, connected community and helping ensure those opportunities continue for future generations.
Curt’s involvement with the WSO began in 2015, when he was invited to join the Board by Alexander Mickelthwate, who was Music Director at the time. With a background in business rather than the arts, Curt brought a different perspective to the organization.
His involvement eventually led to the role of Board Chair. When COVID brought unprecedented challenges to arts organizations, that role took on a deeper sense of responsibility and a desire to help the WSO navigate what Curt describes as “rough waters.”
A Family Connection to Music
Neither Curt nor Cathy grew up with a musical background, but music has always been part of their family life. Whether playing on the radio in the house or in the car, or by attending the many different concerts and festivals throughout the city. Over the years, the family has developed an appreciation for many different genres of music.
Some of their musical memories come from works their children grew up with, including The Music of Studio Ghibli and How to Train Your Dragon.
Hearing music that was part of their children’s childhood performed by a full orchestra has given them a new perspective on music they already knew and loved.
For Curt, one of the most exciting things about the WSO is its ability to challenge the idea that an orchestra is simply about traditional classical music.
He points to experiences such as Brawl at the Hall, which brought many people to the WSO who may never have considered attending an orchestral performance. Experiences like this demonstrate the WSO’s ability to reach different audiences and offer something for almost everyone.
As Winnipeg’s audiences continue to change, Curt and Cathy believe that variety will become increasingly important.
A Community Worth Investing In
For Curt and Cathy, supporting the WSO is ultimately about the kind of community they want Winnipeg to be. They believe the WSO and other arts organizations contribute something essential to the city.
Musicians spend years honing their craft, putting their time, focus and spirit into something that gives value to others.
Cathy wants to see that continue, particularly after the significant challenges cultural organizations have faced during and since the pandemic. She believes people need to step forward, support the institutions that matter to them, and consider what they can do to help their community grow and flourish.
“What can I do to make a difference, help and move things in the right direction?” is the question she comes back to.
Building for the Next Generation
That sense of responsibility extends to their children and future generations.
Curt is optimistic that when challenges arise, good people and good will in the community rise to the occasion. He wants the next generation to have the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits of a strong cultural community that he and Cathy have experienced throughout their lives.
Cathy has also volunteered with the WSO’s Development Committee, where she had the opportunity to get to know some of the musicians personally.
Those relationships have continued beyond meetings and events. When they see each other, there are hugs and genuine connections.
After years of working alongside board members, staff and musicians, Curt speaks with great respect for everyone involved. He has seen firsthand the talent, commitment and value that the musicians and staff bring to the organization.
When Curt thinks about philanthropy, he encourages people to consider a simple question:
What would Winnipeg be like without its arts community?
What would be missing if the WSO and other cultural organizations were no longer here?
For Curt, it is not necessarily about whether someone attends every concert. It is about considering what the community would look like without these organizations and what part of Winnipeg’s identity and character might be lost.
You do not have to be a lifelong fan of symphonic music to recognize that value. The question is what kind of community we want to build and what we are willing to do to sustain it.
“You could let someone else do it,” Curt says. “But who? Why not you?”
For the Vossens, giving back means helping the WSO sustain, grow, and become even better so future generations can experience the music, connection, creativity, and sense of community that have meant so much to their family.
