A New Brunswick physician’s appreciation for classical music will help develop the talents of future musicians.
The ‘Dr Mary and Mark Pedersen Instrument Bank’ was announced at Sistema NB Centre in Moncton yesterday.
A donation of $176,000 will mean the acquisition of 14 professional-level instruments, including Bass
Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn, Bassoon, Bb & C Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone, Bass
Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass for the orchestra.
“For some time we dreamed of the possibility of providing advanced, professional-level
instruments for the section principals of the NBYO. It remained out of our reach until today,”
said Ken MacLeod, President / CEO of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
Dr Pedersen’s lifelong classical music passion began when she studied piano with Sr Marie Estelle, Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Perth-Andover in the 1960s.
“It will be so exciting to follow the careers of these young musicians through the sounds of
these instruments. The future of classical music will continue through the passion of these so
very talented and accomplished young people,” said Dr. Pedersen.
‘The Dr. Mary and Mark Pedersen Instrument Bank’ will provide the province’s most talented musicians an opportunity to build their musicianship. Some of the 100 young musicians in the NBYO will
further their musical studies and go on to teach and perform as professional musicians.
“Professional-level instruments are crafted with exceptional attention to detail, resulting in
superior sound quality,” Maestro Antonio Delgado, NBYO Conductor and Music Director, explained.
Dr Pedersen said 7 professional-level instruments are remaining to be purchased for the
NBYO principal musicians and she is requesting everyone consider a donation for this new Instrument
Bank.
“Several of these young people will be our professional musicians of tomorrow,” she said.
