The World Federation of Amateur Orchestras (WFAO)

Board and General Meetings – 2^nd/3^rd May, 2009 – Antwerp

“The Developing Role of Amateur Symphony Orchestras and Musicians:

A Global Perspective”.

The World Federation of Amateur Orchestras was pleased to meet in Antwerp, Belgium for its 2009 Board and General Meeting.

The main business of the Board Meeting was for the founding WFAO Chairman, Mr Motoyasu Morishita, to hand over Chairmanship to Mr Richard Chester with the unanimous support of Board Members. Mr Chester indicated he would develop a forward strategy for WFAO in the following years to further develop the constructive and successful work of Mr Morishita.

The General Meetings were attended by WFAO members and guests to discuss various aspects of amateur orchestra work throughout the world. The very interesting Keynote Address was given by Daniel A Kellerhals, Chairman, European Association of Amateur Orchestras. Also of particular interest were presentations on the formation and developing work of orchestra projects and activities in countries such as Iraq and South Africa, together with reports on more established work in European, Asian and American countries.

The WFAO website shall continue to be a means of communicating the work of amateur orchestras throughout the world and the next General Meeting is expected to be held in Europe in 2011.