Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony facts for kids
The Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony (KWS) is a professional orchestra located in the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. They perform at Centre In The Square in Kitchener. The KWS has 52 full-time musicians. They usually perform almost 90 concerts during their 38-week season. Over 90,000 people attend their concerts each year. Their music is often heard across Canada on CBC Radio Two. In September 2023, the symphony faced serious financial problems. They had to stop their 2023-2024 season and later declared bankruptcy. This meant all concerts and programs like the Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony Youth Orchestra stopped. However, in October 2024, the orchestra announced good news. Their bankruptcy was officially cancelled, and they are now rebuilding with a new team of leaders.
Contents
History of the KWS Orchestra
How the Symphony Started
The Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony was started in 1945 by Glenn Kruspe. He created the orchestra to play music with the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Kruspe was the first music director for the KWS, leading them from 1945 to 1960.
New Leaders and Growth
Frederick Pohl took over as music director from 1960 to 1970. During his time, the KWS Youth Orchestra was created in 1966. This gave young musicians a chance to play. After Pohl, Raffi Armenian became the music director in 1971. He led the KWS for the longest time, until 1993.
The Canadian Chamber Ensemble
While Armenian was director, a special group called the Canadian Chamber Ensemble (CCE) was formed. This group was made up of the main musicians from the KWS. They played different instruments like flute, oboe, clarinet, and violins. The CCE worked with the Stratford Festival for several years. They also toured across Canada, the United States, Europe, and South America. The CCE was the first major Canadian group to perform in Eastern Europe after the Berlin Wall fell. The KWS's current home, Centre In The Square, was also built during Armenian's time. Today, Raffi Armenian is known as the music director laureate, which is a special honorary title.
Changes in Leadership
After Raffi Armenian, Chosei Komatsu was the music director from 1993 to 1999. Then, Martin Fischer-Dieskau led the orchestra from 2001 to 2003. His time ended early due to disagreements with the orchestra's board. The community protested this decision, and the board members had to step down. Even with a new board, they couldn't agree on terms for Fischer-Dieskau to return.
Facing Financial Challenges
In October 2006, the KWS faced a big problem. They announced they might have to declare bankruptcy if they couldn't raise C$2.5 million. This was because fewer people were attending concerts and they had less funding. They started a "Save our Symphony" campaign. Luckily, they raised C$2.3 million by October 30, and the symphony was able to keep going.
New Music Directors and Programs
Edwin Outwater became the music director in 2007. He brought new ideas, like the 'Intersections' series. He also helped the orchestra work with modern composers and even rock musicians. Outwater's contract was extended to 2017. After him, Andrei Feher was chosen as the next music director, starting in the 2018–2019 season.
Recent Financial Difficulties and Recovery
On September 19, 2023, just before their new season was supposed to start, the Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony suddenly cancelled all concerts. This made many people wonder if the symphony was in trouble. On September 21, 2023, it was announced that the KWS had declared bankruptcy and stopped all future activities. The symphony said this was due to "an unprecedented rise in costs" after the global pandemic. They claimed they needed $2 million to continue the season. When the bankruptcy happened, all the board members resigned. The musicians were left without jobs or severance pay.
However, there was good news! On June 6, 2024, a new group of nine board members was chosen. Their goal was to bring the symphony back. In October 2024, it was officially announced that the bankruptcy was cancelled. This happened after a plan was approved by the Superior Court of Ontario. As a result, the Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony (KWS) has started performing again. They have a series of concerts planned for the 2024/25 season.
Music Directors
Here are the people who have led the Kitchener–Waterloo Symphony as music director:
- Glenn Kruspe (1945–1960)
- Frederick Pohl (1960–1970)
- Raffi Armenian (1971–1993)
- Chosei Komatsu (1993–1999)
- Martin Fischer-Dieskau (2001–2003)
- Edwin Outwater (2007–2017)
- Andrei Feher (2018–2023)
Discography
A discography is a list of recordings. The CBC Records company has produced fourteen recordings of the KWS and the Canadian Chamber Ensemble (CCE). These recordings often feature famous soloists. One CCE recording from 2002, Chants d’Auvergne, which included soprano Karina Gauvin, was even nominated for a Juno Award.
Here are some of their recordings:
- Oktoberfest Operetta: Strauss - Lehár - Kálmán. M Boucher soprano, Dubois tenor, Armenian conductor. 1984. CBC SM-5045
- 'Viens, Gentille Dame' Romantic Arias for Lyric Tenor. DuBois tenor, Pedrotti bar, Armenian conductor. 1987. CBC SM-5077
- Mahler Kindertotenlieder; Rückert Lieder; Songs of a Wayfarer. Robbin mezzo, Armenian conductor. 1989. CBC SMCD-5098
- A Night in Venice, Joanne Kolomyjec and Mark DuBois. 1994. CBC SM 5000. SMCD 5126
- Canadian Trumpet Concerti, works by Hetu, Forsyth, Nimmons, Guy Few, James Thompson, Dan Warren trumpet, Armenian conductor. 1994. CBC SM 5000. SMCD 5130
- Brahms: Serenades, Armenian conductor. 1995. CBC SM 5000. SMCD 5145
- Memories of Poland, Fialkowska, Armenian conductor, et al. 1995. CBC SM 5000. SMCD 5140
- Russian Serenade, Beaver, Komatsu conductor. 2001. CBC SM 5000. SMCD 5159
