A heartfelt thanks to all our island friends who supported, helped with, attended and applauded last weekend’s Choral Society concert and overwhelmingly beautiful celebration which marked my retirement after 33 years as Founding Director/Artistic Director of the Orcas Choral Society.

The nearly 60 singers on stage for that gala concert included charter members Katie Jensen, Stan Miller and Marilyn Andrews. In our last attempt to determine the number of singers who have participated in this island group during its 33 years, we estimated that over 600 singers have been part of the Choral Society during its continuous existence.

My thanks to the Friends of the Choral Society and the many others for your financial support and to all of you who have attended our concerts and applauded and encouraged us.

I am grateful to our community for creating and supporting our Orcas Center which provides the extraordinarily fine venue for the performing arts which enriches our lives, and for the enduring place we have created together for choral music in the community.

Once again, my thanks to all of you who have joined us and shared our songs over these many years. Keep a song in your heart!

With gratitude and affection.

Catherine Pederson

Orcas Island