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Jennifer Bounds OAM and Dr John Bounds OAM
Jenny Bounds OAM and her husband Dr John Bounds OAM were the driving force behind the orchestra throughout most of its first quarter century. From its formation in 1988 until her retirement in 2012, Jenny served the organisation tirelessly in a voluntary capacity as Orchestra Manager, and for most of the time also as President managing almost every aspect of the orchestra’s activities. John was also a longstanding member of the orchestra’s board, and for ten years served as Treasurer.
Since settling in the Penrith district in the mid-1960s, Jenny and John devoted enormous energy to nurturing the musical life of Penrith. They were closely associated not only with the orchestra but with the Nepean Choral Society
(now Penrith City Choir) and the former Nepean District Music Club, of which John was President for 15 years. John was also a member of the planning committee for the establishment of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, and a member of its board for five years. During her career as a teacher-librarian, Jenny was involved in running York Public School band, providing wide-ranging musical training and performance opportunities for children.
Jenny and John also contributed to a wide range of other community groups, including Zonta and Rotary clubs, helping raise funds for many community causes in the Penrith region. Both have been recognised on an official level for their many contributions to their community and its cultural life, receiving Medals of the Order of Australia and being listed on the Penrith City Council Wall of Achievement. Jenny retained her interest in and support for the orchestra until her passing in 2020, having survived John by almost 4 years. Their energy and enthusiasm is sorely missed
Founded in 1988, Penrith Symphony Orchestra was the fulfilment of a dream to form a permanent symphony orchestra based in the West. Today the ensemble continues to provide fine music to Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. PSO is committed to providing opportunities for local musicians, engaging young up-and-coming performers, and presenting and encouraging talented new composers.
Enlightened organisations give back to their community, recognising the great value and contribution of culture in society. If you operate or know
of an organisation that could support PSO, we would love to hear from you.
For three decades, Penrith Symphony Orchestra has been a highly valued contributor to the performing arts in City of Penrith, attracting large and loyal audiences from across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Running a symphony orchestra is an expensive undertaking. With limited government funding, the orchestra’s continued success relies on the generosity of sponsors, donors and volunteers. Your support is an opportunity to assure and be a part of our success. Every dollar makes a difference. You can donate when booking your tickets or subscription, or at any time. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.
As we enter our 30th Anniversary year in 2018, we continue to develop the quality and diversity of the orchestra’s performances, as well as its music-education activities. These include the Penrith Strings program, which in 2018 will expand to become Penrith Youth Orchestra – a first for Penrith.
Subscription and ticket income alone does not fully cover the many costs associated with running a symphony orchestra. With as little as 10% of its income in most years coming from government sources, the orchestra also relies heavily on the generosity of donors and sponsors.
In addition, as a non-profit organisation managed largely by volunteers with minimal paid administration support, PSO needs to strengthen the long-term sustainability of its operations by, among other things, building its capacity to engage professional administration.
We urge you to consider supporting PSO, either through a donation or an
ongoing pledge.
Thank you for your interest in supporting Penrith Symphony Orchestra. Details of how you can donate are below, and if you have any questions about donating, please contact [email protected].
Alternatively mail or email us (at [email protected]) a completed donation form with other details so that we can receipt and acknowledge your donation appropriately.
Penrith Symphony Orchestra is listed on the ATO’s Register of Cultural Organisations (ROCO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient,
and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission as an Income Tax Exempt Charity (ITEC).
Donations of $2 or more to the “Penrith Symphony Orchestra Donations Fund” are tax-deductible.
Electronic funds transfer
Account details are as follows:
Account name: Penrith Symphony Orchestra Donations Fund
BSB: 062-597
Account number: 10682280
Please be sure to:
include your surname (and, if appropriate, the word “pledge”) in the reference field
mail or email us (at [email protected]) a completed donation form with other details so that we can receipt and acknowledge your donation appropriately.
(Click to download form)
BY CHEQUE
Any cheques for donations should be made payable to “Penrith Symphony Orchestra Donations Fund” and mailed with your completed donation form (Click to download). A tax-deductible receipt will be issued.
There is a group of loyal supporters of Penrith Symphony Orchestra who assist in many ways with the running and promotion of its performances.
If you are interested in being involved, please contact the Orchestra Administrator.
[email protected]
Using your Will to spread goodwill leaves a lasting legacy and makes a profound difference to the arts. If you would like information about this option, please contact the President, John Pearce, for a confidential discussion:
[email protected]
