The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony was founded in 1944 and The Windsor Symphony began in 1947. It was a time of optimism and beginnings in both cities. It's worth noting that both cities were primarily focused on industry and most inhabitants were working class. Windsor was producing cars for Ford Chrysler and General Motors while Kitchener had a mix of manufacturers.
Both symphonies had crises at different times. The Windsor Symphony faced a financial crunch from 1987 to 1990, the musician's pay was cut and they went on strike. However; the orchestra managed to survive. The solo artists it highlights are Canadian and it commissions new works by Canadian composers.
Back in 2006, the board of Kitchener Waterloo Symphony said it would be forced to declare the organization bankrupt; but a successful fundraising campaign generated 2.5 million and saved it temporarily. Unfortunately and inexplicably, the K-W Symphony was declared bankrupt in late September 2023. Orchestra members were given only twenty-four hours notice that the season was cancelled. The entire symphony board resigned. Former orchestra members continue to work on fund raising.
I am still gobsmacked at how this could have happened. How has Windsor managed to continue to support its symphony even though the Detroit Symphony, a major U.S. symphony, is only a mile away across the river; but the Kitchener-Waterloo region which is a tech hub and has many wealthy people has allowed the K-W symphony to die? Yes the pandemic had an effect but it had an effect everywhere.
Perhaps eventually more will be revealed. In the mean time, the campaign by the musicians continues. You can donate here if you wish.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-your-kwsymphony-musicians
No comments:
Post a Comment