Museum exhibit marks orchestra’s 100th year

On Friday, Jan. 30, musicians and community members gathered for the opening of a special exhibit on the second floor of the Crowsnest Museum celebrating the 100 year history of the Crowsnest Community Orchestra. The evening featured selections by a five string ensemble and charcuterie provided by Country Encounters.

A series of panels and cabinet displays created by museum staff traces the orchestra’s history through three periods, 1926 to 1959, 1959 to 1996 and 1996 to 2026. The exhibit profiles key conductors including founder John Ed Upton, who brought together 13 string players and two trumpets in 1926, and his son Roy Upton, who served as conductor from 1959 to 1987. Later conductors include Dick Burgman and Jerry Lonsbury.

The orchestra is currently led by Shelly Groves, a graduate of Mount Royal University and the Glenn Gould School in Toronto with a bachelor of music in performance. Crowsnest Heritage CEO Chris Matthews said the display is expected to remain on exhibit until late spring, with details of the centenary celebration planned for June to be announced.