A Symphony of Community

For more than a decade, longtime volunteer Hedie L. Epp has been a welcoming presence at WSO concerts — a familiar face to patrons, fellow volunteers, and musicians alike. What began as a love of classical music has grown into a deeply rooted sense of belonging within the WSO community.

Hedie began volunteering 11 years ago, encouraged by then–Executive Director Trudy Schroeder, who recognized her enthusiasm for music and the orchestra. “I realized that volunteering with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra would provide me with the immersive experience of live concerts as well as meeting other volunteers to enjoy the concerts with,” she shares.

Before long, she was helping at nearly every performance — “about 22 a year, including Sunday matinées, movies, and some of the KIDS Concerts. It was a full season, and wonderful!”

What has kept her returning is the sense of familiarity and friendship that developed over time. “It was a pleasure to work with the same volunteers for many concerts; it was nice to see their familiar faces,” Hedie says. “We formed ‘WSO’ friendships which contributed to the feeling of family.”

That sense of connection extends beyond the volunteer team and into the audience itself. “People come for the concerts and the music, but they love the WSO as a part of their community. It adds to the feeling of the symphony as family.”

From helping patrons find their seats to chatting about favourite concerts, Hedie says every interaction reinforces how music brings people together. “I enjoy meeting the wide variety of people who come to WSO concerts, from different cultures, different age groups, and different ‘concert attires’ — from jeans to party dresses and costumes. The WSO truly reaches out and captures everyone!”

One memory stands above the rest: the first time she saw WSO Music Director Daniel Raiskin conduct Mahler’s First Symphony. “I was mesmerized by his hands — he seemed to be playing every instrument himself,” she recalls. “I became a Mahler and a Raiskin fan that night!”

Her admiration extends to the musicians as well. “I have met some of the musicians and am always impressed with how intelligent, friendly and welcoming they are, and it shows in their performances.”

For Hedie, volunteering remains a source of joy and renewal. “There is nothing like attending a live concert of beautiful music to stir your soul and chase away the worries of the outside world. It truly is a place where magic happens.”

And as she looks ahead, her commitment is unwavering. “I look forward to many more evenings of volunteering with the WSO and attending their always-inspiring concerts.”

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