FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WSO Gala “With a Little Help from Our Friends” Features the Winnipeg Symphony, Steven Page, Andy Maize, Art of Time Ensemble and more, Performing Music from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Winnipeg, MB – April 5, 2016 – The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will hold their annual fundraising gala, With a Little Help From Our Friends, at the RBC Convention Centre in the brand-new York Ballroom on Thursday, April 7. This year’s gala celebrates the 1960s in honour of the Air Canada Pops concert Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, April 8-10. Hosted by Classic 107 personality Sarah Jo Kirsch, voice of The Diamond Lane, “With a Little Help From Our Friends” will feature performances by the WSO, conducted by Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate, with special guests Steven Page, Andy Maize, Craig Northey, Glen Phillips, and the Art of Time Ensemble, who will also perform with the orchestra at this weekend’s pop concerts. The event was inspired by The Beatles’ ground-breaking 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, with some of the album’s top hits featured on the programme. Guests are invited to dress in the 1960s theme with a prize awarded to the best-dressed guest. The evening includes dinner, dancing, dazzling live performances, and spectacular live and silent auction prizes. “This is our most important fundraising event of the year,” said Director of Development Sarah Duval. “It’s also a great opportunity to bring the WSO together with the community to help support many of the orchestra’s special outreach initiatives. Our guests will also be treated to a unique performance in the stunning York Ballroom of the RBC Convention Centre.” Local businesses are lending their support to the event to make it really special. HUB International/STRATA Benefits has generously sponsored the Pixels and Giggles photo booth where guests can have their photos printed on the spot. The evening begins at 5:30 pm with a cocktail reception. The silent auction will be open for bidding with a wide array of auction items. Live auction items include two Executive Class Air Canada tickets to fly anywhere in the world; 11 night European trip to the Cradle of Classical Music – Prague, Vienna & Budapest, Courtesy of Continental Travel Group; luxury couples vacation package at Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, BC; Rose Gold Le Vian Ring courtesy of Ben Moss Jewellers; a Framed Leo Mol Sketch; Gourmet Dinner for Six at 529 Wellington; a Guest Host opportunity with Sarah Jo Kirsch on Classic 107’s The Diamond Lane. The annual gala supports the orchestra and its many Education & Outreach initiatives that reach over 40,000 young Manitobans each year.

Tickets: Single Ticket: $245 Table for Ten: $2,500 Gold Table: $5,000 Tickets for 30 and Under guests (Soundcheck members): $125. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gala.wso.ca, or contact Shenna Song, at (204) 949-3973 or ssong@wso.mb.ca. The WSO would like to the following sponsors:

Air Line Sponsor:

Orchestra Sponsor:

Silent Auction Sponsor:

Gold Table Sponsors:

Brenlee Carrington Trepel & Brent Trepel

Daniel Friedman & Robert Dalgliesh

Tracey Novak & Scott MacDonald

Table Sponsors:

Timothy E. Burt Bill & Shirley Loewen Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. Lucienne Blouw Richardson International John & Bonnie Buhler Trudy Schroeder Marten Duhoux - ft3 TD RBC Convention Centre Ian Thomson Aesops Veterinary Care - Lea Stogdale

Eleanor MacDougall Fort Garry Hotel KPMG Alpha Masonry Quantum Johnston Group Inc Seekville Inn at The Forks Wynward Insurance Group Payworks Women’s Committee of the WSO Alexander Micklethwate

About WSO: The WSO is integral to Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 225,000 audience members each year with innovative programming and musical excellence. The WSO presents educational programs for more than 40,000 students annually and tours to communities across Manitoba.

-30- MEDIA: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Sarah Panas, Marketing & Communications Coordinator p. (204) 949-3970 e: spanas@wso.mb.ca