By Matthew Heller, Una Voce editor

Few saw it coming, and those who did saw no way around it: as of 2024, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) would cease to exist. Founded in 1945, the KWS had been a pillar of the arts community in a thriving region known as a tech hub with two prestigious universities.  

Adapted from an article by Michelle Flowers; Excerpts reprinted with permission from the International Trombone Association JournalSSO Low Brass UV 28.1

The International Trombone Association Journal recently profiled the Saskatoon Symphony’s low brass section for their  “Perspectives on Longevity” column. The full article is available to ITA members; here are some highlights: 

Among our OCSM Conference guest presenters were Jaime Martino (whom I interviewed in the June issue of Una Voce) and Michael Mori, executive leadership at Tapestry Opera. They are the co-founders of Women in Musical Leadership, a program offering mentorship and support for women conductors early in their careers. 

By Ethan Balakrishnan, 1st Vice PresidentPanel on Freelancers

Who is a “freelance musician”? Defined most broadly, probably all of us are; nearly every OCSM musician gigs or teaches on the side. For our purposes, we might narrow it down to subs and extras — those colleagues on stage one week who may or may not be there the next. They are the unsung heroes of our orchestras. 

On these pages, we pay tribute to the people who order, edit, and schlep so many pages: our amazing orchestra librarians.Gordon Cleland, Niagara Symphony

Alan WillaertOCSM President Robert Fraser remembers Alan Willaert

interview with Jaime Martino on advocacy for the next generation of female conductors.

An interview with Jaime Martino on advocacy for the next generation of female conductors. 

Musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, May 11, 2024 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Kitchener, conducted by Andrei Feher The last seven months have been a season like no other for the musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.

Tamsin Johnston, oboist, Regina SymphonyTamsin Lorraine Johnston on classical music’s hot new thing, its impact, and how orchestras might respond.

Robert Fraser previews the 2024 OCSM Conference in Kitchener, Ontario.Bob Fraser VS headshot 2022