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News & Events
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is the celebrated hub of Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 100,000 audience members each year with innovative programming and musical excellence. As well, the WSO regularly tours outside Winnipeg and performs educational concerts for more than 25,000 students annually.
To arrange interviews or photographs contact (204) 949-3970 or communications@wso.mb.ca
2009 Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Inc. will hold its Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 4 pm
The Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation - Piano Nobile (enter Front Lobby doors)
555 Main St, Winnipeg
By Order of the Board of Directors - Dorothy Dobbie, President & Chair
March 29, 2009 - Vincent Ho wins People's Choice award in CBC Evolution competition
As one of 5 finalists for CBC Radio-Canada’s national composing prize, Vincent Ho has spent the last four weeks in Banff, AB creating a new composition based on the theme of evolution. The resulting piece, Nature Whispers premiered March 26 at the Banff Centre, a performance which was broadcast Canada-wide on CBC Radio. Vincent was awarded the People’s Choice award, based on the online votes of listeners from across the country. Congratulations Vincent!
WSO Composer-in-Residence Video Blog Continues.
Back from the western arctic, Vince Ho's creative journey continues. Stay tuned for the evolution of his "Arctic Symphony". His latest entry is below:
Vince's video blog is recorded in Quicktime. download >>
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra recognizes William and Shirley Loewen.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2008 - The position of Director Emeritus of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra was created to honour those who have demonstrated long-term involvement with the organization at an extraordinary level.
On Saturday, September 27, 2008, WSO Board President, Dorothy Dobbie officially recognized two outstanding supporters with this honour prior to the start of the season opening concert.
William and Shirley Loewen have provided leadership, expertise, direction and financial support to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for more than 20 years. Shirley has been an active member of the Women's Committee and a participant and leader in many special events and programs over the years.
William Loewen has served the organization on committees and as a board member and president of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. In 1998, William Loewen was the recipient of the WSO’s Golden Baton Award for his exceptional contribution to the WSO, but also to the arts community in Winnipeg and across Canada. Over the years, the WSO has benefited from his time, wisdom and significant philanthropy.
Together William and Shirley Loewen, and the W.H. & S.E. Loewen Foundation, have also provided generous financial support to the WSO over many years. Through their foundation, numerous works were commissioned for the New Music Festival and their company TelPay was the title sponsor for the 2007 New Music Festival.
The WSO recognizes and thanks Mr. and Mrs. Loewen for close to four decades of generous support and encouragement.
Vince Ho to Attend Eco Art and Science Symposium in Vancouver
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2008 - Vince Ho, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's composer-in-residence, will be participating in a panel discussion at the Eco Art and Science Symposium whichs runs from September 25 to 28, 2008 in Vancouver, B.C. The theme of the symposium will be the intersection of the scientific and the artistic; how science and environmental issues inform artistic practice; how artists and scientists are working together to affect change in unconventional ways. Ho will be discussing his experiences on the icebreaker Amundsen during his trip to the Western Arctic in late July of this year. The trip was sponsored by the University of Manitoba's Canadian Flaw Lead system study through the Artists on Board program. The experience Ho gained on the icebreaker will be used to create a full length symphony which will premiere at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's 2010 New Music Festival. A video blog of his time on the ship is available on the WSO website at www.wso.mb.ca. The video blog will continue throughout the creative process of the composition, including Ho's thoughts from the Eco Art and Science Symposium. The symposium is a joint venture between the Vancouver East Cultural Center and the British Council. It runs concurrently with the East Vancouver Cultural Center's production of The Volcano Theatre's (Swansea, UK) A Few Little Drops: The Extraordinary Life of Water. This unique, mind-bending and environmentally topical show will explore the strange properties of water, its awesome power, its fundamental role in maintaining life, its fragile purity and its extraordinary beauty. For more information, go to www.thecultch.com WSO Represented at Western Canada Music Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2008 - The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is being represented in two categories at the 2008 Western Canada Music Awards, to be held Sunday October 19, 2008 in Edmonton Alberta.
Singer/songwriter Steve Bell has been nominated in the Outstanding Christian/Gospel Recording for his CD Symphony Sessions. At the invitation of the WSO, Steve performed a concert with the symphony at the Centennial Concert Hall on November 17, 2006. The concert was unforgettable so in the spring of 2007 Steve and producer Dave Zeglinski went into the studio with the WSO to produce a recording of the music performed that fateful night in 2006.
Vince Ho, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's composer-in-residence, has been nominated in the Outstanding Classical Composition category for his piece String Quartet No. 1 from his self-titled album. Ho's newest piece, Red Zen, will be premiered at the WSO's concert The Planets on November 1, 2008, 8pm at the Centennial Concert Hall. Ho is currently working on an as yet untitled arctic symphony for the 2010 New Music Festival. The symphony will be based on his experiences on the Amunsden, a climate change research icebreaker, in July 2008.
Great Year for Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2008 - During the WSO’s Annual General Meeting Tuesday evening it was revealed that the orchestra experienced an increase of $676,000.00 in total revenue as compared to the 2006/2007 season as well as an overall drop of $108,000.00 in expenses. "We really did have a great year. We sold out 10 concerts during the 2007/2008 season which has not happened in the past 22 years. We have signed a 4 year contract with our musicians, months before the expiration of the current contract," says Dorothy Dobbie, WSO Board President and Chair. "Our artistic leadership under Alexander Mickelthwate and solid programming have made a huge difference. We also have world class musicians who are known for their incredible versatility. Alexander could not execute his vision of making concerts into events without them. We all try very hard to give people a reason to attend." Details of the $676,00.00 increase in total revenue include:
- Ticket Sales Revenues were up for the year $119,000.00 from 2006/07.
- There were 10 sell out concerts in the season.
- Revenue for sold services to outside groups was up from 2006/07 by $132,000.00.
- Special project revenue was up $86,000.00 (Car Raffle and Mother’s Day Gala fundraisers).
- Individual donations were up by $163,000.00.
- Sponsorship revenue was up in 2007/08 over the previous year by $88,000.00.
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra has budgeted for a small surplus next year with the introduction of the WSO’s Symphony Summers series.
The WSO is very grateful for the hard work and dedication from Olga Runnalls, Janice Lutz, and Anne Elise Lavellee who retired from the WSO’s Board of Directors. Joining the board as directors are Ms. Elba Haid, Dr. Ian Kay, Dr. William Pope, Mr. John Rademaker, Mr. Ed Richmond, Ms. Joanne Sigurdson.
The WSO is also pleased to recognize Mr. Bill Loewen as Director Emeritus for his 20 years of dedicated support.
WSO Composer to Document Experience on Arctic Icebreaker in Video Blog
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2008 - Starting tomorrow, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s composer-in-residence, Dr. Vincent Ho, will begin creating a permanent video record of an international scientific expedition to the western arctic, called the International Polar Year (IPY) Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) System Study. The videos will take the form of daily blogs posted on the homepage of the WSO’s website at www.wso.mb.ca, accompanied by an interactive map indicating Dr. Ho’s location. Dr. Ho will spend most of his time on board the Canadian Research Icebreaker NGCC Amundsen. "I want to show people what it feels like to be there, both in the arctic and aboard a scientifically equipped icebreaker. This blog will be of great interest to those curious about indigenous cultures in the north, about the northern landscape and about what goes into the creative process of composing music for a symphony," says Dr. Ho. "I will be there to experience the expedition as an artist and translate that experience in symphonic form. The whole process mirrors that of the scientists. They are collecting data that will later be analyzed and interpreted for scientific use. Both the scientific results and the artistic presentation will be ready at about the same time - during WSO’s 2010 New Music Festival." The University of Manitoba is hosting Vincent Ho on the Amundsen as part of the CFL’s Artists on Board program. The program follows the tradition of using artists to capture the drama and adventure of polar exploration during early European expeditions. Dr. Ho will spend two days in Inuvik and Sachs Harbour, then one week on the icebreaker. "I am grateful for the opportunity and absolutely thrilled with the support I have received from everybody involved with the project at the University of Manitoba. In terms of support, this video blog would be impossible without them," says Ho. The University of Manitoba’s Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) system study is a multi-disciplinary global warming research project undertaken as part of International Polar Year (IPY). The university’s CFL study is the largest IPY project in the world with a budget in excess of $40M and more than 300 investigators from 15 different countries. more info >> Further information on University of Manitoba’s Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) system study can be found at ipy-cfl.ca. For Vincent Ho’s video blog and interactive map during the trip, go to www.wso.mb.ca. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Launches Summer Series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2008 - Warner Bros. Studio’s classic Looney Tunes cartoons and live symphonic music - the perfect mixture for a summer evening of family entertainment. Winnipeggers of all ages can witness this unusual but irresistible combination when the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra launches its Summer Series with Bugs Bunny on Broadway, July 3 and 4 at the Centennial Concert Hall. The concert features classic Bugs Bunny cartoons such as “The Rabbit of Seville”, “What’s Opera, Doc?” and “Baton Bunny” projected on a film screen while the Orchestra performs the original scores. “This is a must-see concert for anyone who loves Bugs Bunny cartoons and wants to share that joy with a new generation,” said Rei Hotoda, WSO Assistant Conductor. “The concert is very effective at introducing people to classical music in a fun, family friendly way, with an added nostalgic element.” Originally performed on Broadway in 1990, the concert has toured the world, playing to an audience of nearly 2 million people. Bugs Bunny on Broadway creator, George Daugherty will be on hand to conduct the WSO’s July 3 performance. Critically-acclaimed Canadian conductor Leo Marchildon, who has also been with Bugs Bunny On Broadway since its creation, will conduct on July 4. Past performances have sold out quickly. Bugs Bunny on Broadway is the first of two concerts the WSO will present in July as part of its Symphony Summersseries. The second concert, WSO Under the Rainbow, will be held July 9 and 10 at Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park and will feature excerpts from all-time symphonic favourites from Beethoven 5 to the Star Wars theme along with exciting artists like Winnipeg’s own Stacey Nattress, McConnell School of Dance, and Momentum Aerial. “I am looking forward to conducting WSO Under the Rainbow,” said Hotoda. “It will be special open air summertime concert with classics that everyone will recognize. We have an aerial dancer, audience participation and we will end the night with a bang thanks to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.” Both Bugs Bunny on Broadway and WSO Under the Rainbow begin at 8:00 p.m. for all performances. Tickets range from $18.75-$53.00 for Bugs Bunny on Broadway and from $12.00-$29.00 for WSO Under the Rainbow. Patrons can also get a deal on buying both concerts $23.55-$62.00. Tickets are are available through the WSO box office at 949-3999 or online at www.wso.mb.ca.
LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are
trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s08)
Winnipeg Orchestras to Play Important Role in Global Warming Research Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008 - Two Winnipeg composers will be headed to the high arctic soon to help bring attention to climate change. The new compositions that come out of this experience will be premiered at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s 2010 New Music Festival: one for full orchestra and choir composed by WSO composer-in-residence Vincent Ho, the second for chamber orchestra composed by David Raphael Scott, and commissioned by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. Scott will leave May 14, 2008 to spend time in the high arctic as part of the University of Manitoba’s Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) system study. Ho departs in July of this year. "I am proud and honoured to be on the Amundsen (Canadian Research Icebreaker) to experience the adventure, exploration, indigenous culture, and majesty of the North," said Vincent Ho. "This is a significant opportunity for the WSO to positively affect the community, outside the concert hall and on an international level. On a personal note, very few people, or composers for that matter, have the chance to experience something like this. I consider it a great privilege as well as a great challenge." The University of Manitoba is hosting the composers on the Amundsen as part of the CFL’s Artists on Board program. The program follows the tradition of the early European explorers of using artists to capture the drama and adventure of polar exploration. The two composers will spend a week each on the icebreaker. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to go on a trip like this and I’m really thrilled to have the opportunity to document it through the creation of music. It’s a great honour to be part of the Artists on Board project," said Scott. The MCO has planned multiple uses for its new music. The work will be presented in a workshop setting at the West End Cultural Centre in May 2009, and then, returning closer to the origins of its genesis, MCO musicians will travel to the Thompson area to perform several school concerts and a public show. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra has partnered with the University of Manitoba to bring greater attention to the CFL project during the 2010 New Music Festival. The WSO will premiere Vincent Ho’s work at a Gala Opening planned for the Festival. Scott’s composition will also be premiered during the course of the Festival. "We are very excited to welcome the WSO and MCO composers on board the Amundsen," said David Barber, lead research of the Circumpolar Flaw Lead System Study and Canada Research Chair in Arctic System Science at the University of Manitoba. "The works they create while on board the ship will allow us to reach new audiences with our important message about climate change and the Arctic." The University of Manitoba’s Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) system study is a multi-disciplinary global warming research project undertaken as part of International Polar Year (IPY). The university’s CFL study is the largest IPY project in the world with a budget in excess of $40M and more than 300 investigators from 15 different countries. more info >> Further information on University of Manitoba’s Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) system study can be found at ipy-cfl.ca. For photos and notes from the trip, go to www.wso.mb.ca for Vincent Ho and www.manitobachamberorchestra.org for David Raphael Scott.
11,000 Adventures in Music Fans Can't Be Wrong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2008 - For four days in May, the Centennial Concert Hall will see 11,000 school children pass through its doors to attend a series of concerts created just for them – one of the highlights of the year for both the kids and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. These children will be attending the WSO’s annual Adventures in Music series, seven concerts that run from May 13, 2008 until May 16, 2008. This year the series is themed “Music in Motion” and will explore how music inspires movement through dance, imagery and movies. The series features 13 different orchestral pieces, from Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony to themes from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Over the course of the concerts, 500 students from approximately 20 schools across Winnipeg and rural Manitoba will also perform on stage with the WSO through dance and recorder playing. The student performance aspect of the Adventures in Music concerts is unique compared to similar education programs in Canada. “In terms of the numbers that we handle during Adventures in Music, this is unlike anything else we do throughout the course of the season,” said Tanya Derksen, education and outreach manager. “This season, the WSO achieved nine sellouts in a nine month concert season so far. For Adventures in Music, there are six sellouts in three days.” WSO assistant conductor, Rei Hotoda, who regularly conducts the WSO’s Sundays with the Family concerts, will guide students on their musical journey. Performing with the WSO, the concert will feature dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Aspirant program; a young aerialist from Winnipeg’s own Momentum Aerial; a local Aboriginal hoop dancer and singer; and a group of dancers from the McConnell School of Irish Dance. In addition to the talented guest performers, 27 pieces of student artwork will be shown on a screen during the live performance of local composer Glen Buhr’s piece Winter Poems. A composition by students from General Byng School has also been orchestrated and will be performed for their peers during the whole week. “When the students walk into the hall for the first time, it is like they are stepping into an entirely new world,” said Derksen. “You can see awe and wonder shining in their eyes as they look way up at the chandeliers. That excitement stays with them for the whole concert. You just know you are creating a lifetime memory for them.” The concerts are the culmination of an education program developed by the WSO for elementary school children. The path to Adventures in Music began in the fall with a teacher workshop and school visits by WSO ensemble groups. “The students put in a lot of studying and preparing to attend the concerts,” said Derksen. “It introduces them to music in a way that can lead to a lifetime appreciation of music that enriches their lives and produces the next generation of music lovers.” All concerts will be held at the Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Times and dates are as follows:
- Tuesday May 13 - 10:30am & 1:30pm
- Wednesday May 14 - 10:30am & 1pm
- Thursday May 15 - 10:30am
- Friday May 16 - 10:30am
- Friday May 16 - 1pm (French)
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Announces Trudy Schroeder as New Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2008 - The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that Trudy Schroeder, will become the executive director of the WSO. Although she officially starts her new position on July 21, 2008, Schroeder will immediately begin consulting with Dr. Dale J. Lonis, current WSO executive director, on a regular basis to ensure a smooth administrative transition.
“We are thrilled to welcome Trudy Schroeder. She is an energetic, highly capable leader with a proven track record. She has also been working closely with the WSO for the past six months on a number of initiatives, one of them being the 60th Anniversary Gala,” said Dorothy Dobbie, president of the WSO board of directors. “I cannot imagine a better person for the job or a better scenario for the WSO. This is the first time in recent history that the symphony has had such a smooth transition and solid succession plan for the leadership role within the organization.”
Trudy Schroeder is the executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. She has extensive career experience in arts management. Her educational background is in music performance and arts management. She also holds an MBA from the University of Manitoba.
The WSO has seen 11 sold-out concerts this season (nine regular concerts and two Education and Outreach concerts). This is the first time this has happened in 22 years. Next year looks just as exciting. The 2008-2009 season is already creating a buzz among patrons and the WSO is already ahead of last season’s record-breaking season ticket sales.
“The WSO has an important place in the cultural life of our city. There have been so many exciting indicators for the WSO this year. I look forward to working with the board, Alexander, the musicians and the staff to build on this positive energy,” said Schroeder.
Dr. Dale J. Lonis announced his resignation on April 4, 2008 to take a position with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in his hometown of West Aurora Illinois. Dr. Lonis’ last day with the WSO will be June 30, 2008.
“I highly recommended Trudy for the position when I stepped down to take a new position as CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra,” said Lonis. “I have worked closely with her for the past six months and found her to be imaginative, and fiscally tough, with an already established positive working relationship with our stakeholders and government partners. She clearly has the ability, energy and commitment to continue the course we have set over the past two years toward financial and organizational stability.”
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Mourns a Great Friend and Champion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2008 - The board, the administration, and the musicians of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra were saddened to learn of the passing of Harold Buchwald, QC yesterday.
“Our thoughts are with the Buchwalds at this time. We extend our deepest sympathies to and the rest of the family,” said Board President Dorothy Dobbie. “I talked to our executive director Dale Lonis earlier today and we are both very upset. Harold Buchwald was a great personal friend.”
Buchwald was known as a great supporter of the arts including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He was chair of the WSO board, seeing the orchestra through some very difficult financial challenges in the early 1990’s.
He continued to advocate stable funding for arts organizations through his work with Arts Stabilization Manitoba Inc. He served as a member of a 26 person committee that produced the Arts Stabilization in Manitoba: Sustaining Manitoba's Arts in the 21st Century report. More recently, Buchwald served as the first executive director of Arts Stabilization Manitoba Inc.
At the time of his passing, Buchwald was also Director Emeritus of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
“He was an outstanding person, a true philanthropist and a kind, gentle soul,” said Dobbie. “This is a terrible loss.”
Buchwald passed away yesterday at the age of 80 after a short stay in hospital.
Exact funeral arrangements are pending, but the funeral will not be held until Tuesday April 22nd, due to the Holy Days of the Passover Holiday falling on Sunday and Monday next week.
WSO Executive Director Takes Job Closer to Hometown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2008 - Sadly but respectfully, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) Board of Directors announces the resignation of Executive Director Dr. Dale Lonis, effective June 30, 2008. For personal reasons and to be closer to his hometown of Chicago, Dr. Lonis has accepted an offer from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in Illinois.
“We extend sincere thanks to Dr. Lonis for his achievements during his WSO tenure and we look forward to working with him over the next three months as we complete this very successful season and finalize our long-range development plans,” said WSO Board Chair and President Dorothy Dobbie.
The Board is acting on a succession plan and will soon announce the appointment of a new Executive Director to take the lead when Dr. Lonis finishes his term.
In the meantime, the Board, Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra members and staff will continue to introduce new artistic, operational and community partnership strategies that will ensure the WSO continues to be a leader in the field of symphonic music.
During the past year, the WSO team has affected a million dollar turn-around and is confident that the orchestra will continue this positive momentum in the future.
Manitoba Artists Bring Music to Healthcare Centres
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2007 - A Musical Prescription for Health! In partnership with Manitoba Artists in Healthcare, a string quartet from the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be visiting healthcare centres across Winnipeg to share a program of music that will offer comfort and enjoyment to all. As part of the Music to My Ears Concert Series, the first presentation happens at Misericordia Place on Thursday, November 1 at 2:00pm. The concerts are free of charge and will be attended by patients, residents, staff and their families.
The Music to my Ears Concert Series and is generously sponsored by Great-West Life. WSO musicians participating are Karen Bauch and Narumi Higuchi, violins; Richard Bauch, viola and Carolyn Nagelberg, cello.
Performance Dates/Times/Locations:
Thursday, November 1
2:00pm / 2:50pm
Misericordia Place (44 Furby Street)
Friday, November 2
1:00pm / 1:50pm
Seven Oaks Hospital (2300 McPhillips Street)
Thursday, November 22
1:30pm / 2:20pm
Golden Links Lodge (2280 St. Mary’s Road)
Friday, November 30
2:00pm / 2:50pm
Riverview Healthcare Centre (1 Morley Avenue)
WSO Announces Professional Conducting Symposium Featuring Maestro Gustav Meier
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2007 - The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is offering a comprehensive professional conducting symposium early in 2008 featuring Maestro Gustav Meier, Director of the Graduate Conducting Program at the Peabody Institute of John Hopkins University. "We are extremely excited to be offering one of the most comprehensive professional conducting symposiums in the world," says WSO Executive Director Dale Lonis. "Gustav Meier is a world reknowned conducting teacher whose students conduct many of the world's greatest orchestras. The curriculum is unparalleled anywhere."" The symposium offers podium experience with the full 65 member Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, on-podium guidance, video review, and a chance to guest conduct during the WSO's New Music Festival in early February 2008. Additional professional guidance includes a portfolio critique intended to increase the chances of being shortlisted, instruction on arts administration, as well as sessions led by a music agent, and an acting coach. The symposium will take place January 9 - 13, 2008 at the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall. Space is limited to 12 full paricipants with an additional 20 spots for those who wish to audit the symposium. Applications are due no later than 4:30 pm CST, Monday, October 15, 2007. Applicants will be notified of their status no later than November 15, 2007. For more information please email us at wsosymposium@wso.mb.ca
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