Georgian Bay Symphony

Georgian Bay Symphony
Orchestra
Founded 1972
Location Owen Sound, Ontario
Principal conductor François Koh
Website www.georgianbaysymphony.ca

The Georgian Bay Symphony (GBS) located in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada was founded in 1972[1] by a small group of dedicated area musicians and became a Canadian Registered Charity in 1982.[2] It is considered a significant cultural institution in Owen Sound and area.[3][4][5] The GBS is a community orchestra with over 60 volunteer musicians and a core group of professionals under the musical direction of François Koh. The GBS performs five “Main Series” concerts in the 761-seat Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute Regional Auditorium each season as well as two “Music in the Afternoon” concerts in smaller venues. Guest artists have included some of Canada’s best musical talent including Shauna Rolston, Alain Trudel, George Gao, Adrian Anantawan, Richard Raymond, and Sharlene Wallace.[6]

In 1985, the orchestra played host to a unique on ice live performance with Toller Cranston.[7] In 1990, they hosted a performance of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra on a good will tour of Canada.[8]

Over the years the orchestra has also premiered work by several Canadian composers: F. R. C. Clarke's "Saugeenia" March 8, 1981[9] in concert with the Centennial Singers in Port Elgin. Andrew Ager's "Autumn Overture" October 25, 2003.[10] Kevin Lau's "Sea of Blossoms" March 3, 2007 and "The White Horse" February 2009. Luc Martin's "Concerto for Recorder and Double Base" February 7, 2015. Richard Mascall[11] was the Composer in Residence from 2007-2010. While holding this position he created several works that were premiered by the GBS: “Giizhigoong” commissioned as part of the City of Owen Sound’s 150 Anniversary celebrations, “Dream of the Anishnabaek”, “Ojibway Songs”, “Nanabush and the Giant Beaver”,[12] Manitoulin”.[13] Many of these works have been performed by many other groups including “Manitoulin” by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

The GBS also supports a Youth Orchestra conducted by Richard Mascall.

The Symphony participates in many community events including performing the National Anthem before at least one OHL Jr A Owen Sound Attack hockey game each season. In May 2013, the Symphony co-sponsored Owen Sound's first International Fiddle Day.[14]

The GBS is supported by the Ontario Arts Council,[15] the Leflar Foundation[16] and its many sponsors and subscribers.

John Barnum retired as Music Director and Conductor of the GBS in 2015 after serving in that role for over two decades. In his final year he was honoured with the Owen Sound Cultural Life Time Achievement Award.[17] During the 2014-15 Season four candidates guest conducted to become Barnum’s successor: Viljar Weimann, François Koh, Matthew Jones and Yunior Lopez. François Koh was chosen to replace Barnum.[18] Koh, a native of Seoul Korea is a resident of Montreal and is a Ph.D. candidate in conducting at the University of Toronto.

Conductors

References

  1. ↑ "Symphony formed in Grey-Bruce". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. September 20, 1972.
  2. ↑ "Canadian Registered Charity". Government of Canada. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  3. ↑ White, Paul (2000). Owen Sound: The Port City. Toronto: National Heritage. p. 170. ISBN 1896219233.
  4. ↑ Langlois, Denis (April 12, 2013). "New video markets Owen Sound". Owen Sound Sun Times. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  5. ↑ Bland, Warren (2005). Retire in Style: 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada. Chester, New Jersey: Next Decade. p. 60. ISBN 1932919198.
  6. ↑ "Sharlene Wallace". Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  7. ↑ Algie, Jim (Mar 2, 1985). "CRANSTON...purely unpredictable". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  8. ↑ Walker, Bill (February 13, 1990). "City to welcome Moscow orchestra". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  9. ↑ "Centennial Singers join with Georgian Bay Orchestra". The Beacon Times. Feb 25, 1981.
  10. ↑ Henry, Bill (Oct 2, 2003). "New Music". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  11. ↑ "Composer Showcase". Canadian Music Centre. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  12. ↑ Carmicheal, Harold (Feb 25, 2013). "Parents rave Nanaabush Spectacular". Sudbury Star. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  13. ↑ Henry, Bill (Aug 27, 2012). "Georgian Bay Symymphony's 40th Anniversary Concert to premier Richard Mascall's Manitoulin". The Owen Sound Sun Times.
  14. ↑ Richardson, Tracey (May 16, 2013). "Fiddles take over city Saturday". The Sun Times. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Grant Recipients Orchestras". Ontario Arts Council. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  16. ↑ "The Leflar Foundation". The Leflar Foundation. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  17. ↑ Scott, Dunn (Feb 15, 2015). "Owen Sound honours cultural achievements.". Owen Sound Sun Times. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  18. ↑ Kevin, Bernard (May 9, 2015). "New Symphony Conductor". Bayshore Broadcasting. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  19. ↑ Adams, Ralph (September 7, 1976). "Conductor Leaving Georgian orchestra". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  20. ↑ Wilson, Trish (June 24, 1977). "New conductor has music in his blood". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  21. ↑ Jim, Algie (September 6, 1979). "Conductor works out with orchestra". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  22. ↑ Riddell, Ken (March 23, 1981). "Orchestra split over hiring of better players". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  23. ↑ Durichen, Pauline (September 1981). "Conductor getting things done". Kitchener-Waterloo Record.
  24. ↑ "Stratton leaving". Owen Sound Sun Times. May 29, 1989.
  25. ↑ McNichol, Phil (June 20, 1990). "GBS names new director". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  26. ↑ Thorbjornsen, Lise (September 16, 1993). "Far from the madding crowd". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  27. ↑ Masters, James (May 8, 2015). "Final directions". Owen Sound Sun Times.
  28. ↑ "Koh to lead symphony". Owen Sound Sun Times. April 30, 2015.

External links

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