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Strengthening Community: National Bank’s Ongoing Support of the Calgary Philharmonic 

Calgary Phil President + CEO Marc Stevens and National Bank’s Vanessa Stockbrugger, Regional Vice President – Wealth, Western Canada, Private Banking 1859 

The Calgary Philharmonic is delighted to announce that National Bank has renewed its Season Sponsorship for 2026/2027. Given the resounding success of the nearly complete 2025/2026 Season, and National Bank’s significant and invaluable support in contributing to that success, the news of its sponsorship renewal makes the recent announcement of the Phil’s exciting new concert line-up all the sweeter. 

Since coming on board this year, National Bank’s involvement with the Calgary Phil has provided important funding, allowing the Phil to continue offering a wide range of concerts and showcasing Calgary’s Orchestra as key pillar in the arts community. This sponsorship has been an example of National Bank’s mission to make a positive impact in people’s lives and provides considerable support in helping the Calgary Phil realize its vision of making orchestral music accessible to everyone. 

Vanessa Stockbrugger, Regional Vice President – Wealth, Western Canada, Private Banking 1859, took time to chat with us about National Bank’s involvement with the Calgary Phil, including their recent concert sponsorship for Alberta in Harmony, their continued support in the season ahead, and the importance of supporting the arts.  
 

The Calgary Phil has been thrilled to have National Bank on as our Season Sponsor in 2025/2026 and absolutely delighted that this relationship will continue for the 2026/2027 Season. Could you share about the decision to partner with us in the current season as well as on returning for the next one? 

When we first partnered with the Calgary Philharmonic as Season Sponsor, we were drawn to the organization’s artistic excellence and its deep connection to the community. The Calgary Phil plays a vital role in the cultural and economic strength of the city — not only through outstanding performances, but through education, outreach, and a strong commitment to accessibility. That alignment made this partnership a natural fit for National Bank. 

From the outset, we saw this as a long-term relationship rather than a single season. As the 2025/2026 Season unfolded, we had the opportunity to see the impact of the Calgary Phil’s work firsthand — from innovative programming to strong audience engagement — which reinforced our confidence in the partnership. 

Renewing our sponsorship for 2026/2027 reflects our desire to support community organizations bringing vibrancy and culture to the city. The Calgary Philharmonic is a cornerstone of Calgary’s arts community, and we’re proud to continue supporting its important role in enriching the life of the city. 

In addition to the season sponsorship, National Bank supported the recent Alberta in Harmony collaboration between the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra as Concert Sponsor in both cities.  
What was that experience like? 

The Alberta in Harmony collaboration was a truly special experience for our team. Bringing together the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on the same stage — first in Edmonton and then in Calgary — was a powerful example of what collaboration in the arts can achieve. 

For National Bank, supporting this concert felt especially meaningful because it reflected values we care deeply about: partnership, artistic ambition, and connection across communities. Experiencing two major Alberta orchestras working together to create something on that scale was inspiring, and it underscored the important role the arts play in bringing people together across the province. 

It was also rewarding for our team to see firsthand how our support helped make such an ambitious and memorable project possible. Alberta in Harmony went beyond a single performance — it celebrated collaboration, cultural excellence, and shared pride, and we were proud to be part of it in both cities. 

Why do you think it is important for companies to support the arts and organizations like the Calgary Phil? 

We see organizations like the Calgary Philharmonic as essential community builders, bringing people together, supporting learning and wellbeing, and contributing to the vibrancy of the city. Corporate support helps ensure these institutions remain strong and accessible — not just today, but for future generations. 

National Bank’s mission to make a positive impact has resulted in many vibrant sponsorships. Tell us about the values that are important to National Bank and how it engages in the community. 

National Bank’s mission is rooted in making a positive, lasting impact in the communities where we live and work. At the heart of our approach is a belief that strong communities are built through opportunity, connection, and shared experiences. 

That’s why our community engagement spans a range of areas — from entrepreneurship and education to sports and arts and culture. We look to support initiatives that bring people together, foster inclusion, encourage creativity, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of communities. Whether it’s helping entrepreneurs grow, supporting youth and emerging talent, or investing in cultural institutions, we focus on partnerships that create meaningful, long‑term value. 


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