Newell Overture Association was formed in 1974 to provide a
variety of cultural entertainment not normally available in the
community. The Overture Society out of British Columbia and under
the leadership of George Zukerman presented the idea of forming a
concert series to a meeting of 50 people in Brooks. The first
series offered four concerts to a membership of approximately 250
people.
The local society was affiliated with
Zukerman's organization and booked all their concerts with
him annually. The first Showcase attended was in Edmonton in 1976
and from this several concerts other than classical were
booked.
The concert series was held in the Brooks Composite
High School gymnasium until 1982 when a theatre with fixed seating
as well as sound and light, was made available. Newell Concert
Association worked tirelessly to encourage the inclusion of this
theatre in the new school.
The original board consisted
of :
President : Albert Zagorsky
VPresident: Wally Friesen
Secretary:
Evelyn Ellerman
Treasurer: Keith Boquist
Directors:
Doris Cairns, Doug Ingram, Bob and Helen Baxter. Dennis Petersen,
Joan Lester, Helen Kraus, Wes Hutton
There was
representation on the board from the town of Brooks as well as
surrounding area.
One of the first priorities of the board
after finding a home for the series in the new theatre in Griffin
Park School was to purchase a grand piano in 1983 for $13,000.
Throughout
the years the concert series continues to thrive and has been
successful in acquiring an annual grant from the Alberta Arts
Foundation. This funding along with ticket sales has enabled the
organization to present an average of nine concerts per season,
offering a wide variety of entertainment ranging from comedy to
classical.