This article contains content that is written like an advertisement .(March 2016) |
Windsor Symphony Orchestra | |
---|---|
Orchestra | |
Former name | Windsor Concert Orchestra |
Founded | 1941 |
Location | Windsor, Ontario |
Concert hall | Capitol Theatre |
Music director | Robert Franz |
Website | www |
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra is a Canadian orchestra located in Windsor, Ontario. The orchestra performs in Southwestern Ontario, playing both classical and popular music.
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1941, originally as the Windsor Concert Orchestra. The name was changed to The Windsor Symphony in 1948. The first conductor was Matti Holli, who remained with the orchestra until his death in 1977. From 1977 to 1979 Clifford Evens served as interim conductor and artistic adviser. Laszlo Gati was music director from 1979 to 1985 and is credited with raising the level of the orchestra and consolidating community support. [1]
The most recent Canadian conductor to be appointed music director was Dwight Bennett in 1986. Under Bennett, the orchestra became fully professional but also ran into financial difficulties through unrealized revenue projections and a musician's strike in 1988. He was succeeded by American conductor Susan Haig in 1991. [2] Music director from 2001 to 2012 was American conductor John Morris Russell. During his tenure the orchestra received several awards including two Ontario Lieutenant Governor's awards for the arts. He conducted his last concert as music director on May 12, 2012. [3]
On Feb 26, 2013, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra announced the appointment of Robert Franz as their sixth music director. Franz is the third American conductor in a row to be appointed to the position. He was chosen from seven other candidates, which were fellow Americans Laura Jackson, Steven Jarvi, Kevin Rhodes and Scott Speck; Irish conductor Kevin Mallon; Canadian Erik Paetkau and Romanian Cristian Măcelaru. [4]
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra performs at several venues in the Windsor-Essex County area but, since the beginning of the 2012–2013 season, is based at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor, a restored former movie house. Several concerts, mainly for smaller ensembles and the orchestra's Chorus, are performed annually at the University of Windsor's Assumption University Chapel.
1947–1977 | Maestro Matti Holli |
1979–1985 | Maestro Laszlo Gati |
1986–1990 | Maestro Dwight Bennett |
1991–2000 | Maestra Susan Haig |
2001–2012 | Maestro John Morris Russell |
2013–Present | Maestro Robert Franz |
Assistant conductor Peter Wiebe was named Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra (WSYO) Conductor and Assistant Conductor in January 2005. Wiebe has played cello in the Windsor Symphony Orchestra's core since 1987. He has also served the WSO at different times as principal and assistant principal cellist, education co-coordinator, concert host, chorusmaster, operations manager, arranger and composer. [5]
Annually, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra stages 4 to 5 programmes with full orchestra in its "Masterworks" series and 4 to 5 Pops programmes, each performed at the historic Capitol Theatre in Windsor. The WSO also has 4 to 5 chamber orchestra programmes in its "Intimate Classics" series performed in Windsor, Leamington and Tecumseh, Ontario.
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra Chorus was created in 1988 as a choral group directly affiliated with the orchestra. Previously, the orchestra would perform alongside the Windsor Classic Chorale and groups from Windsor and Leamington. The Chorus, which is volunteer and by audition, performs several concerts throughout the season at the Capitol Theatre as well as at UW Assumption University Chapel, covering classical as well as contemporary and pop music. The current chorusmaster is Bruce Kotowich.
The Windsor Canadian Music Festival is an annual celebration of new orchestral music with a focus on Canadian composers and performers. The WSO collaborates with the University of Windsor, School of Music to showcase up and coming composers and explore the newest trends in musical expression.
Community Outreach concerts feature the WSO chamber orchestra and regional soloists in programmes designed for small venues, to help hosting organizations raise funds for a special cause. Gift of Music concerts are performed by string or woodwind ensembles for social service agencies, nursing/retirement homes and non-profit organizations throughout Windsor/Essex County.
The Music Alive concert series involves small percussion, woodwind, brass, and string ensembles, which perform at schools in Windsor/Essex County. Programming is age-specific and designed to correspond with the Ontario school curriculum with the intent of enhancing learning through the arts.
The Education Concert Series consists of three concert programmes designed kindergarten to grade three; grades four to six, and grades seven to twelve. The concerts are developed to be interactive and often feature young performers as soloists. Tied specifically to The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8: The Arts, 1998, concert themes are: language, social studies, geography, science, and math.
The One-Community – One Symphony Project began in 2008, as a season long exploration of a single major symphonic work with high school bands and choirs from Windsor/Essex. The biennial project includes the participation of 10-12 high school bands and choruses representing French, Catholic and Public School Boards. Students rehearse and perform arrangements of the work as part of their regular school music program, with additional master-classes and rehearsals with Maestro Russell. The project culminates with a shared performance with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
The WSO's Peanut Butter n' Jam concert series is an interactive and engaging introduction to music for young children ages 2–6 and their families. Music hosts guide children in exploration of classic melodies, orchestral families, traditional songs, art, story telling and magic. PB n' J concerts are offered at three different locations in Windsor at a variety of times.
Created in 2004, the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra (WSYO) rehearses and performs orchestral music under professional direction. Students (ages 12–20) audition for membership. The WSYO performs 3-5 concerts annually including Side-by-Side performance with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
The Music Therapy program is a partnership between the WSO, University of Windsor Music Therapy program, Windsor Regional Hospital, and Transition to Betterness. University of Windsor Music Therapy students perform alongside WSO musicians at Windsor Regional Hospital, visiting patients.
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra has presented over 40 World Premieres since 2001. This includes 29 works commissioned by the WSO (made possible through a grant by Canada Council for the Arts). [8]
Year | Composer | Piece | Premiere | Commissioned |
---|---|---|---|---|
2000-01 | Grossi, Jason | Gestures | Canadian Premier | |
2000-01 | Kovarik, Christopher | Morning Commute | World Premier | |
2000-01 | Kuzmenko, Larysa | Concerto for Piano & Percussion | World Premier | |
2001-02 | Kovarik, Christopher | Sinfonietta | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2001-02 | Malcom, Trevor | One Hundred Thirty Something Point 5 | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2001-02 | McIntrye, Paul | Requiescantin Pace | World Premier | |
2003-04 | Currie, Neil | Sentiment Number 3 | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Hatch, Peter | Crystal Fragments | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Lee, Brent | Voca me cum benedictus | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Lee, Brent | Like Breath | World Premier | |
2003-04 | Lee, Brent | Last Minute Lulu | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Lee, Brent | Gatineau River | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Palmer, Juliet | Swerve | World Premier | |
2003-04 | Rosen, Robert | Art of Aqueducts | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Wiebe, Peter | Movimento for Strings | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Yzeiri, Besnik | Potpuri | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Currie, Niel | Sentiment Number 3 | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Hatch, Peter | Crystal Fragmanets | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2003-04 | Rosen, Robert | Art of Aqueducts | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2004-05 | Frehner, Paul | Tightrope: For 3 Accordions and Orchestra | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2004-05 | Lee, Brent | Selvage for Orchestra and Midi | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2004-05 | Lee, Brent | Iron Horses | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2004-05 | Lee, Brent | Stone and Star | World Premier | |
2004-05 | Lee, Brent | Equinox Below | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2004-05 | Roi, Micheline | Tengo Que Decir | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2005-06 | Korndorf, Nikolai | Let the Earth Bring Forth | North American Premier | |
2005-06 | Lee, Brent | Symphony No. 1 (Chorea) | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2005-06 | Lee, Brent | Trance Phatty Acid | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2005-06 | Lee, Brent | Arcadia | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2005-06 | Lee, Brent | Luminous Night | World Premier | |
2005-06 | Morlock, Jocelyn | Music of the Romantic Era | World Premier | |
2005-06 | Yusupova, Iraida | On My Way to Damascus | World Premier | |
2006-07 | Abram, John | Kitchenette | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2006-07 | Godin, Scott | O Sweet Spontaneous | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2006-07 | Oesterle, Michael | Perennials | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2006-07 | Oliver, John | Face in the Abstract | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2006-07 | Smith, Linda | Burnt Umber | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2008-09 | Kuster, Kristin | Beneath this Stone | Canadian Premier | |
2008-09 | Lee, Brent | Ruck N' Roll for Electric Viola and Orchestra | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2008-09 | Marwood, Shelley | Of Such Ecstatic Sound | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2008-09 | Plowman, Michael Richard | Journey to the Center | World Premier | WSO Commissioned |
2008-09 | Santos, Erik | Symphony No. 1 "Shards" | Canadian Premier | |
2019 | Poupel, Farhad | Zayande-rud for string orchestra | Canadian Premier |
Michael Tilson Thomas is an American conductor, pianist and composer. He is Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony, an American orchestral academy based in Miami Beach, Florida, Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is a Scottish orchestra, based in Glasgow. It is one of the five national performing arts companies of Scotland. Throughout its history, the Orchestra has played an important part in Scotland’s musical life, including performing at the opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament building in 2004.
Robert Lawson Shaw was an American conductor most famous for his work with his namesake Chorale, with the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. He was known for drawing public attention to choral music through his wide-ranging influence and mentoring of younger conductors, the high standard of his recordings, his support for racial integration in his choruses, and his support for modern music, winning many awards throughout his career.
Rosemary Thomson is a Canadian conductor and chorus master. As of 2018, she is the Music Director of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, chorus master of the Calgary Philharmonic, and Assistant Conductor for the Canadian Opera Company.
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Edmonton, Alberta. As the professional orchestra of Alberta's creative capital city it presents over 85 concerts a year of symphonic music in all genres, from classical to country. Currently in its 72nd season, the orchestra is composed of 56 core professional musicians who perform 42 weeks per season and who play an active role in the musical life of Edmonton and elsewhere as performers, teachers and recording artists. The ESO also performs as the orchestra for Edmonton Opera and Alberta Ballet productions, and its recordings are regularly heard across Canada on CBC Radio 2.
Boris Brott, was a Canadian conductor and motivational speaker. He was one of the most internationally recognized Canadian conductors, having conducted on stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall, La Scala,and Covent Garden. He was known for his innovative methods of introducing classical music to new audiences. Over his career, he commissioned, performed, and recorded a wide variety of Canadian works for orchestra.
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Founded in 1947, the orchestra plays most of its concerts at the Centennial Concert Hall. Including travelling performances, the WSO presents an average of 80 concerts per year, and also provides orchestral accompaniment to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Manitoba Opera.
Howard Dyck, CM is a Canadian conductor, public speaker, and radio broadcaster born in Winkler, Manitoba, now living Waterloo, Ontario. He is most well known as the longtime host of CBC Radio programmes Choral Concert and Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, which he hosted from 1987-2007.
John Estacio is a contemporary Canadian composer of opera, orchestral and choral music.
The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) is a full size orchestra in Ottawa, Canada, including professional, student and amateur musicians. With around 100 musicians, the OSO is Ottawa's largest orchestra, which allows it to perform large symphonic repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Canadian composers.
The San Antonio Symphony was a full-time professional symphony orchestra based in San Antonio, Texas. Its season ran from late September to early June. Sebastian Lang-Lessing, its music director from 2010 to 2020, was the last to serve in that capacity. The orchestra was a resident organization of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio. In August 2022, the orchestra's musicians reformed as the San Antonio Philharmonic, a name first used in 1914, and announced a ten-concert classical-music series for the 2022–23 season to be given at First Baptist Church of San Antonio, 100 yards from Tobin Center.
Founded in 1944, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is the oldest professional Symphony Orchestra in Kansas, performing out of Century II Concert Hall in downtown Wichita.
David Alan Miller is a multi-Grammy Award-winning American symphony orchestra conductor, and since 1992, music director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. Miller served as assistant and associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1987–92 and music director of the New York Youth Symphony from 1982-88. He is currently also Artistic Advisor to The Little Orchestra Society in New York City.
The award winning Georgian Bay Symphony (GBS) located in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, was founded in 1972 by a small group of dedicated area musicians and became a Canadian Registered Charity in 1982. It is considered a significant cultural institution in Owen Sound and area. The GBS is a community orchestra with over 60 volunteer musicians and a core group of professionals under interim conductor Richard Mascall. The GBS performs five Main Series concerts at the East Ridge Community School in the 761-seat Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute Community Auditorium each season. Guest artists have included some of Canada’s best musical talent including Shauna Rolston, Alain Trudel, George Gao, Adrian Anantawan, Richard Raymond, and Jonathan Crow.
John Morris Russell, also known as JMR, is an American orchestral conductor best known for his association with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife and two children.
Victoria Ellen Bond is an American conductor and composer in New York City.
Black conductors are musicians of African, Caribbean, African-American ancestry and other members of the African diaspora who are musical ensemble leaders who direct classical music performances, such as an orchestral or choral concerts, or jazz ensemble big band concerts by way of visible gestures with the hands, arms, face and head. Conductors of African descent are rare, as the vast majority are male and Caucasian.
Eberhard Kloke is a German conductor and composer.
Charles Cozens is involved in the music industry in Canada as an arranger for solo artists; a composer writing in multiple genres for diverse organizations including chamber ensembles, musical theatre, and television; a conductor and producer of crossover orchestral shows; a performer on piano and accordion in jazz, classical, and pop styles; and as a recording artist and producer.
{{cite web}}
: Cite uses generic title (help)