The Kamloops Museum and Archives is pleased to announce the opening of a new major exhibition in collaboration with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (KSO). The exhibition marks the KSO’s 50th anniversary and will feature stories, artifacts, and interactive elements that highlight this cultural pillar’s role in presenting, supporting, and shaping music in the community. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary and to collaborate on sharing a history of the organization’s impact on the community and legacy across the arts, culture, and heritage landscape of Kamloops,” said Julia Cyr, the City’s Museum Supervisor.  

ENCORE! The KSO at 50 will focus on the people and stories that built the KSO as a crucial cultural asset in Kamloops. 

“This exhibition is a powerful reflection of what the KSO has always stood for," said Christopher Young, Executive Director of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra + Music School. "For five decades, this organization has been shaped by the people, stories, and spirit of this region. This exhibit honours not only our history but also the generations of artists, audiences, and community members who have made this work matter. It is a chance to look back with pride and, just as importantly, to look ahead to how music continues to connect and strengthen our communities across the Interior.”

The Kamloops Museum and Archives has organized a rich array of programming that will honour the spirit of ENCORE! The KSO at 50, including:

• Kamloops Museum and Archives Centre Stage! Watch local performers rehearse and perform. Put fingers to strings and become the performer with our visiting violins and cello, on loan from the KSO School. When the stage closes between performances, grab a seat and slip on some headphones to enjoy past performances and interviews with the KSO community.
• Music at the Museum: Introduce your little one to the joy of singing along to beloved childhood favourites with the Kamloops Museum and Archives’ signature programming Music at the Museum and Saturdays on Seymour, which feature free drop-in music-themed crafts throughout the duration of ENCORE! The KSO at 50.
• Painting with the Museum: In this immersive abstract art experience, participants will learn abstract foundations in different mediums while gaining inspiration from music. 

The Kamloops Museum and Archives warmly invites residents to the exhibition opening for ENCORE! The KSO at 50. 

Free opening reception: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00–7:00 pm
Light refreshments, performance, and speeches at 5:30 pm

Learn more about ENCORE! The KSO at 50 at Kamloops Museum and Archives