The history of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra is taking centre stage in a new exhibition celebrating five decades of music, community and cultural impact.

Encore! The KSO at 50 is a temporary exhibition at the Kamloops Museum and Archives featuring stories, artifacts, photographs and interactive elements that explore the orchestra’s place in the city’s arts and culture community.

The exhibition opened June 12, 2026, and will remain on display until Jan. 2, 2027. It is located on the second floor of the museum at 207 Seymour St.

Rather than a single concert, Encore! traces the history of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and the generations of musicians, conductors, audiences and community members who have contributed to its development.

Visitors can explore how the orchestra has both influenced and been influenced by the people and character of the region. The exhibition combines items from the KSO’s history with images, recorded sounds and interactive features intended to bring that history to life.

The experience is designed for longtime symphony supporters, music lovers and anyone interested in learning more about Kamloops’ cultural heritage.

Special programming will also take place throughout the exhibition.

Through the Encore! Centre Stage program, visitors can watch local performers rehearse on Tuesday afternoons and attend performances on Saturday afternoons. Historic KSO performances will be screened on the second Saturday of each month.

Other activities connected to the exhibition include Music at the Museum, Saturdays on Seymour drop-in music-themed crafts and Painting with the Museum, an abstract art class inspired by music.

For generations of residents, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra has been an important part of the city’s cultural landscape. Beyond its concerts, the organization has supported music education, local performers and community engagement.

Encore! The KSO at 50 offers visitors an opportunity to look back at that history while celebrating the orchestra’s continuing role in Kamloops.