Remembering Marten W. Duhoux

April 21, 1973 – June 9, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of long time Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra board member and dear friend Marten Duhoux. Marten was a supporter of the WSO in every possible way, as a volunteer, long-serving board member, philanthropist, and friend of musicians and staff alike. Marten’s contributions to our organization embodied the very notion of service.

“Immediately on his joining the WSO Board, Marten understood the need to bring together the board, the musicians and the administration in collegiality and understanding,” says Angela Birdsell, Executive Director of the WSO. “He hosted opportunities for us to gather socially and was a quiet but solid voice of support and mentorship to so many of us at WSO. He felt that giving back to the art form he loved, was his responsibility as a citizen and neither wanted or nor expected recognition.”

Marten served four full terms on the board, beginning in 2014 and served as chair or member of a number of committees including Governance, Nominating & Personnel, Finance & Audit and the Facilities committees. He took a leadership role in the WSO’s Netherland Tour, originally planned for 2020, and was incredibly proud of the potential opportunity to showcase the WSO in his country of origin.

The WSO sends our deepest condolences to Joanne Duhoux-Defehr, his wife of 28 years, and his beloved children Feiko and Aggie. Not surprising, as a final gift to the WSO, Marten has asked that expressions of sympathy be shared through a donation to the orchestra.

Marten, we will miss your wisdom, your optimism and your unwavering support of the WSO. We are all honoured to have benefitted from your leadership.