New era for former musicians of the K-W Symphony
The K-W Symphony may have played their last concert but the musicians who made up the ensemble aren’t ready for their curtain call.
On Friday night, they brought their talents to a new stage – St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Kitchener.
The group, now known as the K-W Symphony Musicians Orchestra, have kicked off their 2024 season.
“The greatest thing about tonight is there’s been a real lack of symphonic music in Kitchener-Waterloo,” said Jamie Sommerville, conductor and soloist with K-W Symphony Musicians Orchestra. “It’s been awhile. And now people can finally come back and have live music and hear it themselves.”
One year ago, the symphony was in turmoil and facing an uncertain future after declaring bankruptcy and abruptly cancelling their 2023 season.
Now the orchestra is trying to keep the music going.
“[Friday night] is our first concert of this season and we’re really excited to be working with Jamie Sommerville and to have all of our 50 musicians on the stage,” said Kathy Robertson, musician and chair of the players committee.
As professionals, making music is both their livelihood and their passion.
“To be able to be back after this break and doing it again, if I can speak for my colleagues, I think that’s really the greatest thing about it,” Sommerville said.
A new board of directors is working to officially restart the K-W Symphony, but fans shouldn’t expect it to be anything like its predecessor.
“We’re not necessarily looking for a return to what it was, but we’re looking at finding a path forward for the organization, to fit into this community and to be sustainable,” Robertson said.
The group aims to turn the failures of the past into a challenge for the future.
“In any line of work, and especially artistic ones, sometimes crises are not just difficult, but they’re an opportunity to kind of rethink what we do,” said Sommerville. “Take it as a rebirth.”
The orchestra already has shows planned for November and December, as well as smaller performances throughout the community.
Musicians, meanwhile, hope for a warm welcome from fans.
“It’s really important to us, not just as a source of income, but it’s very important to me that my son grows up in a community where there is a symphony orchestra that he can attend,” said Robertson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.