November 22, 2012
Earlier this week, Program Manager, Judy Harquail received the following email from Stella Crouch, long-time Artistic Director of the Welland-Port Colborne Concert Association (WPCCA).
Dear Judy,
I am writing to advise that after 30 years as Artistic Director of the Welland-Port Colborne Concert Association, I feel it is time for me to step down.
I will be staying on in an advisory capacity, but am handing the reins over to our new Artistic Director, Ros Battye. Ros is a Past-President of our Association and has been a member of our Artist Selection Committe for several years. I know that I am leaving everything in very capable hands.
Thank you for your support over the years. It has been a privilege to work with you, and I know that Ros is looking forward to working with you in the future.
Sincerely
Stella Crouch
Many of you know and will remember Stella as a volunteer colleague who cared passionately about the artists that she booked, the volunteers with whom she worked tirelessly to sell tickets and host the concerts, and her patrons whom benefited enormously from the annual series of 4-6 concerts presented.
The Welland-Port Colborne Community Concert Association was formed in 1947 and was part of the concert touring circuit formed by Columbia Artists out of New York. In 1982, it broke from Columbia to pursue its own programming, notably the booking of Canadian artists. In 2006/07 the WPCCA celebrated its 60th season.
Through the more than 30 years that Stella was associated with the WPCCA, she was supported by her life-long companion and husband, the late Phillip Crouch, whom was always by her side whether at the concerts or negotiating contracts with artists and agents at Ontario Contact. It is gratifying to know that Stella will remain connected to WPCCA in an advisory capacity.
Stella - well done!
Please join in extending our collective appreciation and best wishes to Stella for 30+ years of service to her community, Canadian artists, and to the Ontario touring and presenting field.