Editor,

Saratoga Orchestra would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm thank you to our Whidbey Island community for providing us an environment in which to thrive as an organization.

In this past season, “Soaring to New Adventures,” we certainly did just that. Under our newly appointed music director, Anna Edwards, this has proven to be a most exciting and exhilarating year.

Building on the foundation of Legh Burns and Michael Nutt, the orchestra exhibited unsurpassed growth as a musical ensemble, as well as establishing itself as a major force within the island’s vibrant arts community.

We were thrilled to present world-class soloists Darol Anger and Marc Salman to commission and perform the world premiere of “The American Northwest” by Tim Huling and to assemble over 200 musicians — your friends, neighbors and local students — to mount the massive production of Carmina Burana.

Over a thousand concert-goers from all parts of Whidbey Island and beyond witnessed Orff’s masterpiece, a concert that will certainly be memorable for many years to come.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to the many local businesses, individual donors, audience members and tireless volunteers for making this past season a resounding success. Special acknowledgement goes to our community partners as well.

The orchestra’s recent gala fundraiser, “Fiddlin’ at the Farm,” was our best fundraising effort to date, largely due in part to the challenge grant from Island Thrift, which was easily matched.

These funds will allow us to expand the number of concerts and outreach events in all island neighborhoods, continue to underwrite the complimentary student admission program and bring more “adventures” to our island community as we look forward to the ninth season commencing in October.

Rae Terpenning, President, Board of Directors

Larry Heidel, Executive Director

Anna Edwards, Music Director