After declaring bankruptcy just over a year ago in September 2023, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) has announced a resumption of operations, renewing a legacy that’s almost eight decades old. The bankruptcy has been formally annulled by the approval by the Superior Court of Ontario of a proposal made to creditors.

Several months ago, in May 2024, LvT reported on a call for nominations to the KWS board of directors, a crucial step in being able to negotiate a way out of the bankruptcy ruling. A tentative proposal to creditors had been formulated, but legally, it required an incorporated board to make the official offer.

With a board in place, steps could be taken, and KWS’ creditors have unanimously supported the proposal. The legal moves mean that KWS can go back to doing what it does best — make music.

“The board is delighted to be working with the musicians of the KWS to continue an almost eight decade legacy of bringing a diverse range of live concerts and outreach programs to audiences,” said Bill Poole, Chair of the KWS Board of Directors, in a statement.

“We’re excited to define and realize a strategic and artistic vision for the future of the KWS moving forward, continuing the orchestra’s longstanding commitment of delivering exceptional live music experiences as a living part of our community.”

KWS: The 2024/25 Season

The newly restored KWS, in collaboration with the musicians whose careers took a hit when the bankruptcy was announced suddenly last year, will present a series of concerts for the 2024/25 season.

The series of three concerts will take place at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kitchener in an intimate setting to close out 2024.

“Members of the community are encouraged to show their support of the Symphony and love of live music by attending these concerts,” said Poole. “The shared experience of live music can be transformational. Let’s spread the word and make sure these concerts are sold out.”

On Remembrance and Hope (November 16) will celebrate timeless concepts with the music of Sibelius, Ralph Vaughan Williams (with concertmaster Bénédicte Lauzière as soloist), and Avril Coleridge-Taylor. Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 closes the evening. Find tickets here.

The KWS Holiday Celebration offers a family-friendly orchestral take on holiday classics on December 20 and 21. Find tickets here.

Musicians of KWS

Outside the symphony’s official season, the Musicians of KWS will be performing an additional concert alongside 8-year old violin prodigy Sammy Wong. He’ll be playing the Mozart Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major and the iconic Vivaldi Winter (The Four Seasons), among other selections, on November 9. More info here.

Public Support

In a statement, the board and musicians thanked the public for their overwhelming support during the difficult days of the last year or more. You can help to support KWS ongoing efforts [HERE].

At LvT, we’re extremely happy about the good news, and wish KWS and its musicians the best of success in this season, with many more to come.

NB: This piece was amended to add details of the November Musicians of the KWS concert.

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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto City Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an experienced freelance writer, blogger and writing instructor.

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