Tweet
Symphony celebrates Diamond Anniversary
by LIANNE ELLIOTT
The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario)
September 3, 2005 Saturday Final Edition
When the first notes of music rang out, conductor Raffi Armenian
was thrilled.
He was leading the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony through its first
rehearsal in its brand new concert hall, The Centre in the Square.
Armenian had wondered what the acoustics would be like in the new
building. When he heard the sounds of the symphony float through the
room, he knew he had nothing to fear.
"The most exciting moment was that first rehearsal," Armenian said
from his Montreal home.
"We realized that we had great acoustics. Acoustics are never
completely foolproof and to really hit the top was quite exciting."
That first rehearsal at The Centre In The Square back in 1980 was one
of the memories that came to Armenian's mind as he reflected earlier
this week on the symphony's long history.
The symphony is launching its 60th anniversary season this month.
Between now and next June, the 53-piece orchestra will give 90
performances in Waterloo Region, Guelph and beyond, beginning with
a free concert in Waterloo Park on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Through it all, the symphony will be reflecting on its 60-year history
and preparing for a 60th anniversary concert in April featuring the
Beaux Arts Trio.
Armenian, who now teaches at University of Toronto and the music
conservatory Montreal, will return to Kitchener to conduct the concert.
He was the K-W Symphony's artistic director from 1971 to 1993,
leading the orchestra through a number of significant changes.
During those 22 years, the symphony went on its first international
tours, made its first recordings with the CBC and changed from an
amateur to a professional organization.
It has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1945, when a
local choir director suggested that an orchestra be formed to join
his singers in a concert.
An orchestra was pieced together, joining Glenn Kruspe's Philharmonic
Choir at a concert in a packed Queen Street South hockey arena in
downtown Kitchener.
As the decades went by, the symphony kept playing in auditoriums,
theatres and dance halls, until it finally got its home at Centre In
The Square.
Marianne Leach, who has worked with the symphony 17 years, remembers
seeing the symphony play in the newly-built centre in Kitchener.
One show stands out in particular. In 1989, one of Canada's best-known
tenors, Jon Vickers, performed his last public concert, choosing to
do so with the K-W Symphony at Centre In The Square.
Leach, a singer who was new in town, was invited to sing in the show.
"I got to see an incredible orchestra, with the soloists working
so well with Raffi," said Leach, who is the symphony's artistic
administrator.
"It was my first introduction to the area. It's a pretty good way to
get introduced to the community."
While there have been many memorable performances by the symphony in
its six-decade run, there have also been difficult moments.
The symphony dismissed two of its conductors, Chosei Komatsu and
Martin Fischer-Dieskau, sparking bitter debates among symphony members
and supporters.
The symphony is currently looking for a conductor. This season,
15 guest conductors from around the world have been invited to work
with the symphony. Many of them will be auditioning to be the next
permanent conductor.
There is no set deadline for choosing the new conductor.
While the decision is being made, Simon Streatfeild remains the
symphony's artistic adviser and principal guest conductor.
While the conductor search is ongoing, the symphony is continuing with
it's community programs, performing for the foodbank, seniors' centres
and other organizations. The symphony also continues to run its youth
orchestra program for more than 100 young musicians in the community.
Armenian said that in its 60-year history, the K-W Symphony has made
a name for itself.
"It is established as one of the major orchestras in Canada," he
said. "That is a very big responsibility and that is something for
which you have to maintain a standard.
"I hope this is happening and I hope audiences continue to support
the orchestra."
[email protected]
60 YEARS OF THE KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY AT A GLANCE
1945
An orchestra forms to accompany the Philharmonic Choir at a concert
in a hockey rink near today's Queen and Charles streets in Kitchener.
The show draws 2,000 and the orchestra is inspired to stay together
with Glenn Kruspe as conductor and music director.
1960
Frederic Pohl is the symphony's new artistic director.
1966
The KWS Youth Orchestra is formed, dedicating itself to the development
of young musicians.
1971
Raffi Armenian signs on as artistic director and remains in the role
for 22 years.
1974
The symphony becomes a professional organization when the Stratford
Festival Ensemble, now the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, is formed. The
musicians in the ensemble worked with the Stratford Festival and also
filled the first-chair positions in the KWS.
1980
Centre in the Square opens in the heart of Kitchener, becoming the
symphony's new home.
1980
First CBC recording of the KWS. The album is called Oktoberfest
Operettas.
1984
First international tour, to Spain.
1986
Raffi Armenian is made a Member of the Order of Canada.
1989
Canadian tenor Jon Vickers performs in public for the last time,
in a concert performance of Wagner's Parsifal with the KWS.
1992
Repertoire from the Canadian Chamber Ensemble's Music from Berlin
in the 1920s is selected by Director Woody Allen to underscore the
opening credits of his film, Shadows and Fog.
1993
Chosei Komatsu is the symphony's new artistic director and conductor.
1999
Electric Thursdays, the now popular Classics, Rock 'n Roll series,
starts when the Jeans 'n' Classics Band from London, Ont. collaborates
with the KWS to perform a Beatles tribute.
2002
Martin Fischer-Dieskau is named principal conductor.
2004
Simon Streatfeild is appointed artistic adviser and principal guest
conductor.
2005
KWS celebrates its 60th anniversary season.
SYMPHONY SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Music in the Park, Sept. 11
Outdoor concert featuring music of West Side Story, Lord of the Rings,
Star Wars and others. Children's activities, refreshments available.
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Waterloo Park, Albert Street entrance.
Cost: Free. Bring a chair or blanket.
60 Years of Broadway Musicals, Sept. 15, 16, 17
Pops series kicks off with tribute to Broadway hits such as My Fair
Lady and Phantom of the Opera. Featuring baritone Denys Mailhiot,
conductor Brian Jackson.
Where: Centre in the Square and Guelph River Run Centre
Cost: $38 - $50, package deals and
student/senior rates also available.
Symphonic Songs, Sept. 23,24
Masterpiece series begins with two concerts featuring Canadian
mezzo-soprano Susan Platts, with conductor Simon Streatfeild. Music
of Wagner, Mahler and Rachmaninoff performed.
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: $27 to $50, package deals, student/senior rates available.
Gala night, Nov. 17
Evening of dinner and dancing featuring popular tunes of the Jeans
'n Classics band, joined by the symphony.
Where: Marshall Hall, Bingemans
Cost: $75
60th Anniversary Celebration Concert, April 28
Conductor Raffi Armenian, the Beaux Arts Trio and the symphony perform
Beethoven's Triple Concerto and Symphony No. 3
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: $45- $65
Tickets
For more information, visit www.kwsymphony.on.ca, call the symphony
at 745-4711, or call the box office at
578-1570.
GRAPHIC: Photo: KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY; Members of the
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony command the stage at the Centre in the
Square, their home since 1980. The orchestra has come a long way
from its humble beginnings in 1945.; Photo: RECORD STAFF; Conductor
emeritus Raffi Armenian will return to the podium next April 28 for
the 60th Anniversary Celebration concert.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
by LIANNE ELLIOTT
The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario)
September 3, 2005 Saturday Final Edition
When the first notes of music rang out, conductor Raffi Armenian
was thrilled.
He was leading the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony through its first
rehearsal in its brand new concert hall, The Centre in the Square.
Armenian had wondered what the acoustics would be like in the new
building. When he heard the sounds of the symphony float through the
room, he knew he had nothing to fear.
"The most exciting moment was that first rehearsal," Armenian said
from his Montreal home.
"We realized that we had great acoustics. Acoustics are never
completely foolproof and to really hit the top was quite exciting."
That first rehearsal at The Centre In The Square back in 1980 was one
of the memories that came to Armenian's mind as he reflected earlier
this week on the symphony's long history.
The symphony is launching its 60th anniversary season this month.
Between now and next June, the 53-piece orchestra will give 90
performances in Waterloo Region, Guelph and beyond, beginning with
a free concert in Waterloo Park on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Through it all, the symphony will be reflecting on its 60-year history
and preparing for a 60th anniversary concert in April featuring the
Beaux Arts Trio.
Armenian, who now teaches at University of Toronto and the music
conservatory Montreal, will return to Kitchener to conduct the concert.
He was the K-W Symphony's artistic director from 1971 to 1993,
leading the orchestra through a number of significant changes.
During those 22 years, the symphony went on its first international
tours, made its first recordings with the CBC and changed from an
amateur to a professional organization.
It has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1945, when a
local choir director suggested that an orchestra be formed to join
his singers in a concert.
An orchestra was pieced together, joining Glenn Kruspe's Philharmonic
Choir at a concert in a packed Queen Street South hockey arena in
downtown Kitchener.
As the decades went by, the symphony kept playing in auditoriums,
theatres and dance halls, until it finally got its home at Centre In
The Square.
Marianne Leach, who has worked with the symphony 17 years, remembers
seeing the symphony play in the newly-built centre in Kitchener.
One show stands out in particular. In 1989, one of Canada's best-known
tenors, Jon Vickers, performed his last public concert, choosing to
do so with the K-W Symphony at Centre In The Square.
Leach, a singer who was new in town, was invited to sing in the show.
"I got to see an incredible orchestra, with the soloists working
so well with Raffi," said Leach, who is the symphony's artistic
administrator.
"It was my first introduction to the area. It's a pretty good way to
get introduced to the community."
While there have been many memorable performances by the symphony in
its six-decade run, there have also been difficult moments.
The symphony dismissed two of its conductors, Chosei Komatsu and
Martin Fischer-Dieskau, sparking bitter debates among symphony members
and supporters.
The symphony is currently looking for a conductor. This season,
15 guest conductors from around the world have been invited to work
with the symphony. Many of them will be auditioning to be the next
permanent conductor.
There is no set deadline for choosing the new conductor.
While the decision is being made, Simon Streatfeild remains the
symphony's artistic adviser and principal guest conductor.
While the conductor search is ongoing, the symphony is continuing with
it's community programs, performing for the foodbank, seniors' centres
and other organizations. The symphony also continues to run its youth
orchestra program for more than 100 young musicians in the community.
Armenian said that in its 60-year history, the K-W Symphony has made
a name for itself.
"It is established as one of the major orchestras in Canada," he
said. "That is a very big responsibility and that is something for
which you have to maintain a standard.
"I hope this is happening and I hope audiences continue to support
the orchestra."
[email protected]
60 YEARS OF THE KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY AT A GLANCE
1945
An orchestra forms to accompany the Philharmonic Choir at a concert
in a hockey rink near today's Queen and Charles streets in Kitchener.
The show draws 2,000 and the orchestra is inspired to stay together
with Glenn Kruspe as conductor and music director.
1960
Frederic Pohl is the symphony's new artistic director.
1966
The KWS Youth Orchestra is formed, dedicating itself to the development
of young musicians.
1971
Raffi Armenian signs on as artistic director and remains in the role
for 22 years.
1974
The symphony becomes a professional organization when the Stratford
Festival Ensemble, now the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, is formed. The
musicians in the ensemble worked with the Stratford Festival and also
filled the first-chair positions in the KWS.
1980
Centre in the Square opens in the heart of Kitchener, becoming the
symphony's new home.
1980
First CBC recording of the KWS. The album is called Oktoberfest
Operettas.
1984
First international tour, to Spain.
1986
Raffi Armenian is made a Member of the Order of Canada.
1989
Canadian tenor Jon Vickers performs in public for the last time,
in a concert performance of Wagner's Parsifal with the KWS.
1992
Repertoire from the Canadian Chamber Ensemble's Music from Berlin
in the 1920s is selected by Director Woody Allen to underscore the
opening credits of his film, Shadows and Fog.
1993
Chosei Komatsu is the symphony's new artistic director and conductor.
1999
Electric Thursdays, the now popular Classics, Rock 'n Roll series,
starts when the Jeans 'n' Classics Band from London, Ont. collaborates
with the KWS to perform a Beatles tribute.
2002
Martin Fischer-Dieskau is named principal conductor.
2004
Simon Streatfeild is appointed artistic adviser and principal guest
conductor.
2005
KWS celebrates its 60th anniversary season.
SYMPHONY SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Music in the Park, Sept. 11
Outdoor concert featuring music of West Side Story, Lord of the Rings,
Star Wars and others. Children's activities, refreshments available.
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Waterloo Park, Albert Street entrance.
Cost: Free. Bring a chair or blanket.
60 Years of Broadway Musicals, Sept. 15, 16, 17
Pops series kicks off with tribute to Broadway hits such as My Fair
Lady and Phantom of the Opera. Featuring baritone Denys Mailhiot,
conductor Brian Jackson.
Where: Centre in the Square and Guelph River Run Centre
Cost: $38 - $50, package deals and
student/senior rates also available.
Symphonic Songs, Sept. 23,24
Masterpiece series begins with two concerts featuring Canadian
mezzo-soprano Susan Platts, with conductor Simon Streatfeild. Music
of Wagner, Mahler and Rachmaninoff performed.
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: $27 to $50, package deals, student/senior rates available.
Gala night, Nov. 17
Evening of dinner and dancing featuring popular tunes of the Jeans
'n Classics band, joined by the symphony.
Where: Marshall Hall, Bingemans
Cost: $75
60th Anniversary Celebration Concert, April 28
Conductor Raffi Armenian, the Beaux Arts Trio and the symphony perform
Beethoven's Triple Concerto and Symphony No. 3
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: $45- $65
Tickets
For more information, visit www.kwsymphony.on.ca, call the symphony
at 745-4711, or call the box office at
578-1570.
GRAPHIC: Photo: KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY; Members of the
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony command the stage at the Centre in the
Square, their home since 1980. The orchestra has come a long way
from its humble beginnings in 1945.; Photo: RECORD STAFF; Conductor
emeritus Raffi Armenian will return to the podium next April 28 for
the 60th Anniversary Celebration concert.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress