Shari Lundy

Viola

Shari Lundy led the viola section of the EPO for 45 years. Joining the orchestra in 1978, she became section chair just one year later. She dedicated countless hours to fostering the growth of the orchestra by serving on the board, recruiting musicians and volunteers. Shari collaborated with local businesses whose donations and sponsorships supported orchestra expenses and allowed for the creation of valued music scholarships. She involved orchestra members, friends, local businesses, colleagues and family in raising the profile of the EPO in the community. She initiated and coordinated the popular annual Christmas Auction fundraiser for over ten years with the help of her many loyal volunteers.

In 2021, Shari reflected on her time spent with the EPO in a personal memoir. She wrote:

"Using resources from our community seems to be a core value for our orchestra. Involving community members as players, sponsors, audience, volunteers and board members is critical to the success of EPO. It is an important means to reach out to find support for student scholarships, to grow valuable connections with music teachers, and to encourage collaborations with businesses."

Shari concluded her memoir with the following:

"I have enjoyed participating in the development of the EPO and performing and working with all the wonderful volunteers and musicians. I hope there will be many more years of orchestra playing in Etobicoke for us all to enjoy."

There are not enough words to thank Shari for her 45 years of tireless devotion to the EPO orchestra community. Her unwavering commitment to the arts and the EPO is now being formally recognized by naming of the Principal Viola Chair in her honour.