A Fond Farewell to Lorraine Tanner
Dear Victoria Symphony Community,
I’m writing to update you on the retirement of Lorraine Tanner, concluding an incredible 12-year journey as Director of Development with the Victoria Symphony.
As you may know, over her tenure Lorraine has played a central role in shaping one of the most remarkable chapters in our organization’s history. Working closely with you, her colleagues, board members, and other community partners, she has helped raise more than $17 million for the Victoria Symphony and the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony.
This legacy speaks not only to Lorraine’s skill and persistence, but to her deep belief in the power of music to connect and inspire. She has left a lasting impact—financially, yes, but more importantly, through the values and culture she has helped build.
While she is stepping down from her role, Lorraine will always be part of the VS family—we look forward to seeing her at concerts and continuing to benefit from her wisdom and generous spirit.
“Serving in this role for the past 12 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It has been a journey filled with joy, purpose, and a deep sense of privilege. Together, we’ve accomplished so much—from record-breaking seasons, to meaningful community outreach, and building a growing reputation for excellence throughout Canada. I am incredibly proud of being part of this wonderful organization.
To our donors and supporters—thank you. Your unwavering generosity and belief in the power of music have been the quiet force behind every crescendo and encore, making all of our achievements possible.
I am thankful for the trust, the memories, and the music we’ve shared. I will always be cheering the Symphony on, and I look forward to seeing all the things the future holds for this incredible organization.”
On a personal note, I will miss working with Lorraine immensely. Her calm, thoughtful, and good-humoured approach has been a source of steady support through both triumphs and challenges.
I’m pleased to share that our Senior Development Manager Amy Hinrichs has generously agreed to serve as Interim Head of Development, until a new Director of Development is in place. We will be undertaking a search to hire a new Director of Development this summer and look forward to introducing you to them in the new season.
I hope you’ll share a memory or leave a message for Lorraine below.
With deep appreciation,
Matt White, CEO
Would you like to leave a message for Lorraine? Leave a comment below – you don’t need to fill out your name or email address if you would prefer not to.
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Lorraine – Best wishes for this next chapter of your life, with much more time to enjoy your grandchildren. You have been a delight to work with over the years, with your constant good humour and your deep commitment to the symphony and our community. I hope our paths continue to cross. Sheridan
Congratulations Lorraine on your retirement. What a legacy to leave. The VSO was so lucky to have you. You opened our eyes (actually, our ears) to a wonderful musical journey each time we attended an event. Wishing you the very best with your next adventure.
Dear Lorraine;
Thank you so much for your dedication to the VSO over the past 12 years.
Having moved up to Qualicum Beach, we only came to Victoria for Symphony and Opera occasionally, but enjoyed every performance.
Working with you and your team on the Qualicum Beach Concerts was great, and we hope to participate more in the future; (after we have done with our travels).
We wish you all the best in your future endeavors in retirement.
Hugs and Cheers; Petra & Bill
Congratulations Lorraine!! Thank you for all you’ve done for our Victoria Symphony. I’m sending my very best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.
Congratulations to Lorraine on your well earned retirement! You were terrific to work with.
Best wishes to you for whatever comes next!
Congratulations Lorraine! You have made such a wonderful contribution to the cultural scene of Victoria. I hope you now have time to spend doing the other things you love, with those you love.
See you on the court!
Nicola
Wishing you all the very best in your retirement. It was nice knowing you for several years. My Annamaria in particular, had great regards for you.
Best wishes. Stay happy and stay healthy.
Perry
Wonderful achievements.
Congratulations Lorraine Tanner on a job well done. I’m very grateful to be one of the recipients of your talents
Dear Lorraine,
Although we have not met personally, I am so very grateful to you for your contribution towards the ongoing and increasing financial stability of the Victoria Symphony.
This past season I would describe as the ‘best one yet’. And then I realize that’s how I feel at the end of every season!
We are truly blessed with such a vibrant symphony in this relatively small city.
May you enjoy your retirement more than you can possibly anticipate!
Sheridan Cooper
Lorraine, The VS was lucky to have someone as articulate, kind, witty, charming and knowledgeable as you. Your presence will be missed as you did a wonderful job in creating a lasting legacy, especially over the last few years with some of the world challenges. All the best to you on a much deserved retirement, hopefully filled with adventure, love and joy. Thank you. Jack
Best of luck in your next chapter Lorraine! Jan & janice
Always the steady hand, you guided the donors to give regular support to the symphony with innovative appeals. Thank you for your dedicated commitment to the Victoria Symphony musicians and organization. I look forward to seeing you frequently at future concerts.
WOW – WHAT A RUN!
Dear Lorraine
Congratulations your retirement and most sincere thanks for all you have done for the VSS and the FVS over the last 12 years. Your infectious enthusiasm for expanding the support for the Symphony combined with your professionalism and warm approach has enabled you to build a dedicated, generous and growing donor base for the VSS. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with you.
Angela and I wish you a lengthy and fun and family filled retirement with Jay. You certainly deserve it.
We look forward to seeing you both at many concerts and Symphony events in the coming years.
Terry
Lorraine, thank you for all you have done for the Victoria Symphony. I feel very fortunate to live in a community where we have such an amazing and well loved symphony. I very much appreciate your contribution to that perspective. All the best, Leah
I was very surprised to read Matt White’s email this morning. Lorraine was amazing with the donors and she always made sure that we had tickets to the concerts that we were interested in attending. She also gave us the best seats in Row J. We will certainly miss her at the Symphony office. We will miss her calm, cool and extremely efficient persona. My husband, Bob’s comment this morning was, “she is way too young to retire. Why is she leaving?” Good luck Lorraine in all your future endeavors and we will look forward to seeing you at several of the concerts and other events.
Devi Jawl
Hi Lorraine, I’ll miss our conversations and working together to develop new projects. Good luck for the future and hope our paths might cross again before too long.
Hello/goodbye, Lorraine,
Being relative newcomers to Victoria and the symphony, we so appreciated how quickly you made us feel at home. In the past, we have very much enjoyed season subscriptions to the Ottawa and Montreal Symphonies, but the joy we feel when we step into the Royal Theatre or the Farquhar Auditorium is so much more than that. The music is every bit as wonderful (more so, we would argue!) but what really makes VS stand out is the feeling that we are part of an incredible music-loving family. And that is, in large measure, due to you with your warm smile and amazing memory for names and details. We will miss you in your official capacity but hope that you and Jay will continue to be part of this family you have created! Happy hiking and exploring as you move into this exciting new chapter of retirement! Toni & David
Well done Lorraine! I know your work made a huge difference for our spectacular VSO…..all the best in retirement!
Hi Lorraine, not goodbye, because I expect to see you in the lobby before concerts or at intermission when we can chat a bit as we have done many times already. Thanks for your efforts on behalf of the Victoria Symphony and all the best. Cheers, Larry
Congratulations to an excellent professional woman.
You are the best !!!
Hugs, Sheila
Hi Lorraine:
You should be very, very proud of the legacy you have left at the Victoria Symphony. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement. Regards, Ethne & Roy
Dear Lorraine,
You were always so welcoming every time we met at concerts and events. Early on, you inspired us with your unflinching dedication to the symphony. We wish you well in your much deserved retirement and sincerely hope we see you at future symphony events. Take care and carry on! Sincerely, Eve and Chris Millington
Lorraine ,
What an honourable contribution you’ve made to Victoria. I’m among the many members of our community who owe you a debt of gratitude for all you’ve done. Thank you!
Have a great summer, maybe a month of grandbabies will bring you back ready for a new challenge. Congratulations on a job ‘well done’. It’s been great getting to know you. Thank you
Congratulations, Lorraine – and many thanks for your absolute dedication to the Victoria Symphony. Wishing you the very best in this next chapter,
Carol
Lorraine Enjoy every day because once the day goes we don’t get it back !! AND YOU most certainly have enjoyed every minute of every single day and what you have given to us is wonderful incredible days, weeks, and years of fantastic enjoyment! ! Looking forward to seeing you at the symphony and your lovely smile. Every good wish to.YOU LORRAINE!! Enjoy!😀
A huge thank you to you, Lorraine. I’ve only known you a short time, but am very grateful for the welcome and encouragement you’ve extended to me. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for the VSO.
Lorraine, everything with the symphony is more fun when you’re around! Your calm competence will be missed.
Joanne Gaul