Sudbury Symphony Orchestra
| Sudbury Symphony Orchestra | |
|---|---|
| Orchestra | |
| Founded | 1953 (inc. 1975) |
| Location | Sudbury, Ontario |
| Principal conductor | Victor Sawa |
| Website |
sudburysymphony |
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is a Canadian symphony orchestra based Sudbury, Ontario. Incorporated in 1975 as a not-for-profit registered charity, the orchestra performs an annual six-concert series at the 1337-seat Sanctuary of Glad Tidings Church on Regent Street South in Sudbury.
History
The orchestra was originally founded in 1953 as a community orchestra and gave its first public performance on January 13, 1954, conducted by Emil First at the Sudbury High School Auditorium.[1] Eric Woodward, took over as Music Director in 1957, and in 1962 the orchestra was merged into the Sudbury Philharmonic Society, a combined choral and orchestral ensemble. The orchestra and the choir later became separate ensembles again, with the orchestra re-constituted in 1975 under its present name.[2] Under Metro Kozak, the orchestra's Music Director from its incorporation in 1975 until his retirement in 1997, the orchestra grew to over 60 musicians with several instructors from the music programs at Laurentian University and Cambrian College serving as its permanent musicians. Kozak also founded the Sudbury Youth Orchestra to prepare future musicians for the SSO.[3][4] Victor Sawa, who took over as Music Director in 1997, is also the Music Director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra and a former Resident Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.[5] At the end of the Orchestra's 2013.2014 season, it was announced that the following season would be Maestro Sawa's last as Music Director of the Sudbury Symphony. A search has been started for his successor, with finalists expected to conduct the Orchestra in the 2015.2016 season.[6]
Principal conductors
- Emil First, 1953 - 1957[7]
- Eric Woodward, 1957 - 1974[7]
- Metro Kozak, 1975 - 1997[7]
- Victor Sawa, 1997–present[7]
Conservatory of Music
Founded in 2001, the Sudbury Symphony increased its operations to include the Sudbury Symphony Conservatory of Music. At its peak, the Sudbury Symphony Conservatory of Music employed five teachers, with students enrolled in lessons for string instruments, as well as a Junior Music Course, a Junior String Orchestra, Cello Ensemble and Student String Quartets.
Today, the Conservatory has four instructors, who teach violin, viola, and cello. There are also classes in music theory, music history, and an introduction to music (ages 2+). Students are sometimes asked to perform as members of the Sudbury Symphony during performances.[8]
Education & Outreach Programs
- Maestro Talks
- Musical Encounters
- Share the Music
- Tunes and Tales
- Wolfie Goes to School
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra reaches over 2,000 people in Northeastern Ontario every year through their outreach and education programs.[9]
References
- ↑ Gilhula, Vicki (April 26, 2010). "Sudbury's symphony celebrates 35 years of harmony". Northern Life. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Kozak, Metro. "Sudbury, Ont. The Canadian Encyclopedia/Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Wallace, C.M. (1996). Sudbury: Rail Town to Regional Capital. Dundern. ISBN 145971363X
- ↑ Sudbury Community Builders Awards of Excellence 2007: Dr. Metro Kozak. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Leader-Post (May 15, 2007). "Sawa to be roasted and toasted". Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Northern Life (October 2, 2014). "SSO Director Heading to the Big Leagues"
- 1 2 3 4 Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. History. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. Sudbury Symphony Conservatory of Music. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. . Retrieved 3 December 2013.