BC’s biggest small-town community orchestra is marking its 20th anniversary with a Gala Concert on June 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Golden Civic Centre.
The Purcell Mountain Orchestra began with just seven local musicians who shared a love of classical music and wanted opportunities to play together. Two decades later, the ensemble has grown into a thriving community group of 25 to 34 regular players, depending on work schedules and whether university students are home for the summer.
As the orchestra expanded, members recruited talented local musicians to lead the group. Its first conductor was Laurie Robinson (Dalzell), a former Symphony of the Kootenays violist and teacher, who guided the orchestra through its first eight years. She was followed by Jackie Ohnander, a beloved piano instructor and Music for Young Children teacher. When Ohnander stepped away to travel, current Musical Director and Conductor Sue Gould took the podium.
Gould brings a unique combination of musical expertise, teaching experience, and good humour to the role. A professional pianist, sought-after piano teacher, and certified ACMG ski guide, she has spent years helping the orchestra navigate the challenges of volunteer community music-making.
Conducting a volunteer orchestra requires equal parts musician, teacher, coach, and organizer. Gould is known for encouraging players while occasionally reminding them that practicing at home is, in fact, permitted.
One of her greatest challenges is managing the orchestra’s ever-changing instrumentation. Each season begins with careful music selection, but the final roster can produce unexpected combinations—perhaps one French horn, one trombone, and eight flutes. To ensure every melody and harmony is heard, Gould regularly rewrites, transposes, and adapts parts, all while maintaining a full schedule of teaching and professional work.
The orchestra itself reflects the diversity of the community. Members balance rehearsals with careers, families, school, and countless other commitments. Early rehearsals can be filled with sight-reading and uncertainty, but as concert day approaches, individual practice increases and the music gradually comes together—often just in time.
Audiences at the Civic Centre have remained steadfast supporters throughout the orchestra’s history, filling the hall with familiar faces and enthusiastic applause.
Perhaps the orchestra’s defining characteristic is its inclusiveness. Anyone who wants to play is welcome, creating a vibrant mix of students, retirees, professionals, and families. Some members travel more than an hour each week from Edgewater to attend rehearsals.
Supporting young musicians has always been a particular source of pride. Over the years, the orchestra has welcomed Métis fiddlers, exchange students, and talented multi-instrumental teenagers who have contributed on trumpet, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, piano, cello, and percussion. Graduating students are often featured as soloists, and many return during university breaks to rejoin the ensemble.
One such musician is Michelle Wolfenden, who composed a piece for the orchestra while still in high school. She is now pursuing postgraduate studies in composition at the University of Victoria. Earlier this year, with support from the Columbia Kootenay Arts Alliance, the orchestra commissioned Wolfenden to write a new original work that will premiere at its December concert.
This spring, Grade 12 student Kai Hayter will take the spotlight as clarinet soloist in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major. The performance forms part of his Capstone Project and represents a significant musical challenge that both soloist and orchestra have embraced.
Golden is believed to be the smallest community in B.C. with a volunteer orchestra of this size and longevity. The group performs twice a year, in December and June, with admission by donation.
For the twentieth anniversary concert, the orchestra will welcome former members and special guests back to the stage. Laurie Robinson (Dalzell) will return to play viola and guest conduct, while Jackie Ohnander will guest conduct and perform a piano duet with Sue Gould as well as a duet with cellist Lukas Pickering. Visiting professional violinists Irene Rioux and Natanael Sasaki will also join, along with several other past members.
The community is warmly invited to celebrate 20 years of music, friendship, and volunteer spirit as the Purcell Mountain Orchestra marks this remarkable milestone.
Golden Civic Centre, June 18, 2026.
Doors @ 6:30, Concert at 7:00 pm. Admission by donation.
