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KSO

Kamloops Symphony Orchestra music director to step down at the end of the season

Apr 11, 2025 | 8:14 AM

KAMLOOPS — The music director and principal conductor at the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is stepping down after eight seasons at the helm.

In a news release issued Friday (April 11) morning, the KSO announced Dina Gilbert will depart at the end of the 2024-25 season. She joined KSO in 2017.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Gilbert states. “However, I feel it’s the right time for me to pursue new professional challenges and continue my artistic journey in new ways. I will truly cherish the countless unforgettable concerts we created together, and I feel so fortunate to have shared such a meaningful connection and friendship with the KSO musicians and choristers. I am deeply grateful to every patron, collaborator, and music lover who supported us in delivering bold and thoughtful programming to our audiences in Kamloops and Salmon Arm.”

KSO credits Gilbert with growing the orchestra’s artistic growth, bringing dynamic energy and innovating programming and committing to community engagement.

Gilbert was recently appointed music director of the Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra in Washington State, Additionally, KSO says she is also receiving invitations to conduct orchestras across Canada, the United States and overseas. She also joins the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal in a newly created role as associate conductor where she will lead several subscription concerts from their 2025-26 season.

Gilbert’s final concerts will be Vivaldi’s Glorida on Saturday (April 12), Symphonic Stories: Handel Writes the Messiah on Saturday, April 26 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 on Saturday, May 17.

KSO says the board of directors will undertake a thoughtful and collaborative process to identify the orchestra’s next artistic leader.