Longtime WSO Concertmaster Gwen Hoebig has announced that the 2024/25 WSO season will be her last.
In a press release, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra announced that the esteemed concertmaster will conclude her remarkable tenure at the end of the season.
“In May 2025, I will step down from the Concertmaster position of the WSO, a position I have held for 37 years! It has been an honour to have been in this position since September 1987,” says Hoebig in the press release.
Hoebig was tapped to sit first chair at the age of 27, chosen unanimously by the audition committee. The Juilliard graduate was already a distinguished violinist who had performed with orchestras across Canada, the US, and Europe.
Over her tenure, she has performed major concerti, premiered works and earned accolades for her interpretations of both classical and contemporary works, including those by renowned composers like Philip Glass and Christopher Rouse.
To honour her profound impact on the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a special sub-fund will be established within the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's Endowment Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation.
Find the full press release below
(August 27, 2024 - Winnipeg, MB) - Gwen Hoebig, the esteemed Concertmaster of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), has announced that the 2024/25 season will be her final season in this role, concluding an extraordinary tenure. Reflecting on her departure, Gwen shared, “In May 2025, I will step down from the Concertmaster position of the WSO, a position I have held for 37 years! It has been an honour to have been in this position since September 1987.”
Gwen's journey with the WSO began in 1987 when she was unanimously chosen by the audition committee to lead the orchestra - a pivotal moment in her career. At just 27 years old, she had already established herself as a distinguished violinist, following her studies at Juilliard and notable performances with orchestras across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her time with the WSO has been marked by an unwavering commitment to both the music and her colleagues, setting a high standard for the role of Concertmaster.
“If you put what I do in sports terms, I am ‘Captain’ of the team,” Gwen explains. “In musical terms, not only is the Concertmaster the lead violinist who prepares and plays all the solos, but there is much that happens before the rehearsals and concerts.”
Throughout her tenure, Gwen has been a beacon of excellence and leadership, contributing to the WSO's success in countless ways. Her meticulous preparation and dedication to her craft have been instrumental in elevating the orchestra's performances. “Coordination is both musically and visually important, as is trying to prepare the parts to best reflect the musical interpretations of the conductor and composer in advance of the first rehearsal,” she notes.
Gwen’s accomplishments as Concertmaster are nothing short of remarkable. Over her 37-year career, she has performed all the major violin concerti, premiered numerous works, and earned accolades for her interpretations of both classic and contemporary compositions. Her contributions to new music, particularly through Canadian premieres of violin concertos by composers like Christopher Rouse and Philip Glass, have solidified her reputation as one of Canada’s finest violinists.
Daniel Raiskin, Music Director of the WSO, shared his deep admiration for Gwen's contributions: “I am writing this with mixed feelings… an immense sense of gratitude on the one hand and sadness on the other! Gwen Hoebig is entering her 37th and final season as the WSO’s Concertmaster, having helped to shape the orchestra’s unmistakable sound and artistic identity over the years in the most profound way. She is a steadfast guarantee of the highest performance standards, work ethic, and a true commitment to the unique place the WSO occupies in our community."
Raiskin continued, "From my very first encounter with Gwen, I have been blessed by a one-of-a-kind partnership: it helps me to channel my musical ideas to the entire orchestra and at the same time makes me a better musician, keeps me concentrated and aware, helps me to articulate my suggestions, direct energy, and feel supported. I will miss that… I very much look forward to celebrating Gwen’s remarkable and illustrious WSO legacy during our 2024/25 season and to the magic of making great music together!”
Beyond her professional achievements, Gwen’s personal connection to the WSO and its musicians has been a cornerstone of her experience. Reflecting on her time with the orchestra, Gwen shared, “highlights have been too many to list! Generally, my favourite piece of music is the next one I’m playing. I love the Classics, the explorative nature of the New Music Festival, and often the fun associated with the other series that the orchestra plays.”
Gwen’s passion for music is matched by her love for her colleagues, whom she describes as “fantastic people and amazing musicians.” She views the WSO as an extended family, cherishing the bonds formed both on and off the stage. Outside of music, Gwen enjoys hobbies like sewing and reading, often immersing herself in the works of Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope. Her involvement in the orchestra’s “baking club” and first violin section lunches underscores the close-knit community she has been a part of for so many years.
As she prepares to step down from her role as Concertmaster, Gwen’s love for the orchestra remains as strong as ever. “I think my favourite aspect of being a member of the WSO is my colleagues! We support each other through the ups and downs of life.”
Gwen will take a one-year sabbatical following the 2024/25 season and rejoin the orchestra in a new capacity.
To honour Gwen’s profound impact on the WSO, a special sub-fund will be established within the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s Endowment Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. In recognition of her remarkable legacy, the newly named Gwen Hoebig Concertmaster Chair will be established and supported by the Endowed Fund. For those who wish to celebrate Gwen’s legacy by contributing to this fund, please contact the Development Department at (204) 949-3979 or email thuscroft@wso.mb.ca. Contributions made before November 30, 2024, will be partially matched by the Federal Government’s Canadian Cultural Investment Fund.
To celebrate her incredible career, Gwen Hoebig will perform with her family and the WSO in a special concert on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 2025. This event will honour her outstanding tenure as Concertmaster and her invaluable contributions to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for Gwen’s final concert are now on sale.
Tickets for Celebrating Gwen Hoebig are available at wso.ca or by contacting the WSO Box Office at 204-949-3999 or boxoffice@wso.mb.ca.