History of the Caledonian Orchestra
The basis of our enthusiasm was a love of Scottish music... and the challenge of playing as a group.

Upon incorporation, as The Caledonian Orchestra Society, in 1995, the twelve charter members created a set of bylaws and a list of objectives.

Charter Members
  • Peter DunnDirector
  • Diane Bezanson
  • Sheila Cameron
  • Duncan Fraser
  • Jenny Gilmore
  • Virginia Kinsman
  • Tanya MacKay
  • Robert MacNeil
  • Sheila Mills
  • Carol Robertson
  • Ryan Ross
  • Kristin Skibstud
Objectives
  • To encourage the development of a Classical Scottish Orchestra.
  • To rehearse, research and perform, for the public, music which is primarily, though not exclusively, representative of Scottish heritage.
  • To establish a unique and identifiable manner of performance.
  • To encourage the participation of both adult and younger members of the community.
  • To encourage the participation of like minded organizations within local and more distant communities.

Our current members are from, New Glasgow, Truro, Halifax/Dartmouth and Riverview, New Brunswick. Truro is the location for regular rehearsals.

Caledonian at the Halifax Public Gardens - June 21, 2009
The Orchestra has performed with many talented vocalists, musicians and dancers:
  • Rita and Mary Rankin
  • Mary Jane Lamond
  • Ardith and JenniferCeltic Harpists
  • Majavi
  • Stephanie TurnbullCeltic Dancer
  • The Antigonish Gaelic Choir
  • Ted RhodesTenorwith Margot Rumley
  • Helen AdamsSopranowith Margot Rumley
  • The Thistle Scottish Dancers
  • The Scotia Country Dancers
We have also provided the music for dinner and dancing at the Saint Andrew's Scottish Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Benefit concerts have been performed for the Colchester and Pictou food banks, St. Luke's Church in Upper Tantallon and the Colchester Historical Museum.

Fall 1993

Orchestra is founded in New Glasgow, NS, under the direction of Peter Dunn.

April of 1994

Nine violinists perform at the orchestra's first public appearance for the Maritime MacLauchlan Society.

Fall 1994

Nelson Ferguson, Terry DeCoste, Allan MacDonald and Margaret Slavin joined the orchestra.

June 7, 1995

Incorporated as a non-profit organization under the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies.

August 1998

A milestone for the Orchestra, having performed 50 concerts throughout the Maritimes.
New Glasgow, Pictou, Truro, Tatamagouche, Antigonish, Amherst, Upper Tantallon, Halifax, and Summerside

Fall 2000

The Orchestra's first CD "Sweet Journeys" was released.

2006

"Take the Floor" was the second CD to be released.

2008

The Orchestra's third CD, "Castle Sween" was released.

September 2008

The Orchestra was composed of 16 violins, 4 flutes, 1 cello, 1 drummer, 2 violas, 4 accordions, 1 keyboard.

Present

All three CD's are available for purchase by contacting the Orchestra