Chamber Musicians of Kamloops is a registered community-based nonprofit society. Our mission is to inspire appreciation of the beauty of chamber music, dedicated to becoming a leading organization that enriches the cultural lives of members, residents and visitors in Kamloops and the Thompson-Okanagan region of British Columbia by increasing the enjoyment and appreciation of chamber music.
Chamber Musicians of Kamloops was formed in the fall of 2008, guided by the adage “there are enough human minds for music but not enough music for human minds”. We strive to be an open forum for musical expression and welcome new members – both performing or supportive.
A Brief History
In the fall of 2008 a group of about 15 local musicians and supporters came together to form what would eventually become the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops. For the first couple of years chamber music groups from CMK performed in intimate house concerts, approximately 4-5 times per year.
In the fall of 2011 CMK became a registered society, and the City of Kamloops awarded CMK a grant to organize a series of 10 concert at the Old Courthouse in 2012. Since then CMK chamber ensembles have been performing regularly in Kamloops, as well as in surrounding communities such as Sun Peaks, Lillooet, Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Celista, 100 Mile House, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Nelson, Revelstoke, and other locations in BC.
In the spring of 2014, CMK collaborated with Vancouver Pro Music in their inaugural Further Series: Highway 1 concert, their first ever event outside of the Metro Vancouver area. This event saw CMK musicians presenting a concert of all new works by BC composers.
In the Fall of 2018 CMK started a new chamber music concert series at the Kamloops United Church with 7 concerts per season. This grew to 8 concerts for the 2019/2020 season. During the 2020/2021 concert season CMK presented a series of 10 concerts, thanks to the financial support from the City of Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
CMK musicians have performed at a variety of community events, including Communities in Bloom, Homes for Holidays, Canada Day, and BC Culture Days. They have also given a variety of workshops and masterclasses over the years.
Our Board Of Directors
Carmen Ranta, President
Joanne Dennstedt, Vice President
Joan Bernard, Treasurer
Evelyn Claudepierre, Secretary
Cathy Dochstader, Director
Marlene Eaton, Director
Cuyler Page, Director
Rita Winkler, Director
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Membership
To join our organization as a supporting member, please send a letter with your name, email, phone number, postal address, and a cheque for $10 to our address:
Chamber Musicians of Kamloops, PO Box 1336 Kamloops Main
Kamloops BC V2C 6L7
Chamber Musicians of Kamloops is grateful for the support of the community of Kamloops, the City Of Kamloops, Kamloops Arts Council and the Province of British Columbia.