Just over a year after one of Canada’s longest-standing orchestra was silenced by bankruptcy, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony announced its return to the stage this week.
In a Facebook post, the symphony shared that its bankruptcy had been officially annulled, and that they would return to present concerts again as soon as the end of this year.
“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 Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Board of Directors, in a statement.
Just days in advance of their opening night performances in 2023, the symphony announced that they had cancelled their season, citing “financial challenges”. They filed for bankruptcy a short time later, leaving musicians and concertgoers alike wondering what the future was for the ensemble, which was founded in 1945.
The annulment of the ensemble’s bankruptcy was approved by the Superior Court of Ontario after reviewing a new proposal made to creditors. Poole, who was named chair of the newly-formed Board of Directors back in June, said that the best way to ensure the orchestra can thrive in this new chapter is for people to come out to concerts.
“Members of the community are encouraged to show their support of the Symphony and love of live music by attending concerts being held in November and December,” says Poole in the orchestra’s social media post. “The shared experience of live music can be transformational. Let’s spread the word and make sure these concerts are sold out.”
The symphony’s musicians will return to the stage on November 9th in an intimate concert featuring child violin prodigy Sammy Wong and will perform a remembrance-themed concert on November 16th.