2014/2015 Season Annual Report
bradley thachuk music director
cover photo: musician photos by Robert Nowell on leave, Phyllis Dankiw instrument photos by Terry Babij
niagarasymphony.com Niagara Symphony Association (referred to throughout as Niagara Symphony Orchestra)
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about the niagara symphony orchestra
music director’s message
A cultural treasure for over six decades, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1948 as the St. Catharines Civic Orchestra. Incorporated in 1978 as The Niagara Symphony Association (NSA/ NSO), the NSO became a professional orchestra of over 50 musicians, now providing classical and contemporary orchestral music to more than 12,000 residents of the Niagara Region annually.
The past season was a pivotal one in the history of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra. Since confirmation that a new concert hall was to be built, the orchestra has been on a journey to prepare for that move. Last season was the culmination of all the hard work and re-imagining of what a NSO season could be. Through innovative programming and heightened artistic standards, we have captured the imagination and passion of our audience as we make the allimportant move to Partridge and Cairns Halls.
Each season, the NSO presents 16 concerts in three distinct series: M a s te r Wo r k s , P O P S ! a n d C l a s s i c a l Family. The NSO proudly showcases top national and international guest artists, bringing the stars of the world to the stages of Niagara and operates under a collective agreement with Local 298 of the AFofM. Pa s t M usic D ire c to r s h ave in clu d e d Leonard Pearlman , M ilton B arnes , E r m a n n o F l o r i o , U r i M aye r (n o w Conductor Emeritus) Michael Reason and Daniel Swift. In the fall of 2010, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra welcomed Bradley Thachuk as its eighth Music Director. In our upcoming 68th season, Maestro Thachuk will lead the orchestra onto th e stag es of th e FirstO nta rio Performing Arts Centre, the next chapter in an illustrious history.
Upon reviewing our activities I cannot help but be proud of our progression as an organization, and humbled to be surrounded by a team that works so hard to ensure our successes. The 14/15 season was defined by so many highlights it’s hard to single out any specific one. Our Masterworks programs were adventurous and challenging, and both the players and the audience rose to the occasion. I look at the Masterworks 3 concert with its eclectic repertoire and varied soloists. Many commented to me later that this concert was their favourite of the season. Sarah Slean, a popular music singer, performing a 30 minute contemporary Canadian work was a great triumph. I could not imagine us as an organization attempting these programs when I arrived 4 years ago. The expanding of our string compliment on stage was also one of the most important artistic strides forward for us as an ensemble. Our POPS! season has not only brought back a Saturday night audience, but has also become a much more cohesive season, with more self produced concerts tailored for us. The Leonard Cohen concert that we opened the season with has already been performed by the Kingston Symphony and is being requested by other orchestras in upcoming seasons. We are an innovative and resourceful organization. We have done the hard work and will continue to do so. We are ready for this next chapter in our history. Thank you. Bradley Thachuk Music Director
“I have been attending performances for the Niagara Symphony, formerly the St. Catharines Symphony, since they started in the Palace theatre some 50+ years ago. What a long way they have come in now providing an outstanding musical experience. We look forward to the move to Partridge Hall in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre which will showcase their varied musical ability and related talents in the musical world of today. 2015 will be an exciting time as the arts move into their new state-of-the-art home in downtown St. Catharines.” Marilyn I Walker 1934-2015 2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 1
report from the board of directors At o u r la s t a n n u a l g e n e ra l m e etin g , I re min d e d those who attended that the success of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, both artistically and administratively, depended upon the interactions of the board, management and musicians. The NSO’s last three years have seen consistent development, and along the way, the board has grown in size and commitment. The Making Our Move campaign was designed to capitalize on the excitement of our move to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, very soon to be a reality, and our Vice-Chair, Virginia Atkin, has worked hard to solicit multi-year pledges of support from new and long-time donors alike. Having said farewell to Brock University last May, we are now so excited about the new venue which we will occupy after November 1st, 2015. Working closely with the staff of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, plans are being finalized as the opening date approaches. The board plans to host several galas and is working with the growing NSO team to ensure that we have the knowledge and skills needed to proceed successfully. I have known from the beginning that the success of the new downtown performance space and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra were, and always will be, inextricably entwined. I am proud of where the symphony has come from having heard a young Armenian-Canadian pianist play Rachmaninoff on the same stage I saw musical plays by the high schoolers I grew up among. I knew then as I do today that Niagara needs a fully professional symphony comprised of talented musicians led by a visionary conductor. We have all the ingredients for success now, all we need is the continuing support of our patrons, donors and funders. Together, I am sure we will continue to thrive; based upon the new faces I see at every concert, I know it is going to happen. I can’t wait to stand on that new stage as Chair and welcome you all to our spectacular new home. Dr. Howard Slepkov Chair, Niagara Symphony
“The wait is finally over…Janet and I are so proud to welcome all our fellow NSO patrons and donors to Partridge Hall and Cairns Recital Hall at the brand new spectacular FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. We are looking forward to experiencing the many wonderful performances that Maestro Thachuk has programmed for the upcoming season.” Peter M. Partridge
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report from the managing director Two things have continued to impress me since returning to the Niagara Symphony Orchestra in 2012: the extraordinary quality of NSO performances and the sophistication of our audiences, who can deal as nimbly with Beethoven and Mozart as they can with Leonard Cohen and ABBA. I recall in particular the audience reaction after the Orchestra’s vivid performance in the Masterworks season opener: 15-year-old Anastasia Rizikov performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, under the skillful baton of Music Director Bradley Thachuk. The long and thoroughly deserved ovation reaffirmed for me the fundamental reason why I work in music: what we do genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives. Our 2015 financial results, with a surplus of almost $ 1 , 8 0 0 , i s a t t r i b u te d to a m a r ke d 2 2 p e r c e n t improvement in revenue from ticket sales, continued growth in sponsorship and donation revenue, and a tight control on costs. And, we have now balanced the budget for three consecutive years. The third annual fundraising gala is thanks to the support of many individuals and businesses in our community. As we bid farewell to the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre at Brock University, the NSO’s home for the past 16 years, we know the march down the hill will connect us to a vibrant new arts scene and our new home, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre this fall. Finally, I work with an outstanding team of dedicated board and staff who bring energy and passion to their roles every day. My heartfelt thanks to all of them for their commitment to excellence in everything they do. I also extend my gratitude to our many patrons, donors, volunteers and corporate and community partners. Their support, generosity and dedication to this orchestra are priceless: my indebtedness is immeasurable. Candice Turner-Smith Managing Director
“We’re thrilled to have the Niagara Symphony Orchestra be one of our key performing partners at the new FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. It’s the NSO’s time to truly shine in the magnificent Partridge Hall, which will have world-class acoustics to showcase our world-class orchestra.” Steve Solski Executive Director FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 3
music education at the nso 2014/2015 Plato said: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything”. Young people are immeasurably enriched through participation in NSO concerts and education programmes, which support the development of their potential to become the good citizens of our collective future. The NSO offers a variety of education initiatives. In the 2014-15 season, Summer Music Camp welcomed 304 eager young musicians; Composer in the Classroom helped cultivate 36 student compositions; Youth Club members attended concerts, met guest soloists and participated in workshops; and university and college students experienced the thrill of orchestral performance thanks to special ticket pricing. Committed sponsors recognized the value of music education with their significant investments in NSO programming and the NSO was privileged to connect dedicated musicians and music educators with the youth of Niagara. Our future depends on our children; our children depend on us. We thank everyone who is part of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to the promise of a bright future; welcome to our community of excellence and optimism.
The Niagara Symphony Orchestra acknowledges with thanks our Education Sponsors, Summer Music Camp Sponsors, and donors to SMC 2015 Bursary and Operations Funds: Ridley College, SMC 2015 Partner Meridian Credit Union, SMC 2015 Special Needs Education Sponsor Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation, Composer in the Classroom Sponsor Rittenhouse, Academy @ SMC Sponsor Ontario Power Generation, NSO Youth Club Sponsor Canadian Tire Financial, Recital Rap Sponsor
Susan Baker and Jim Stangier
Nicole Lewis
Lisa Benger
The May Court Club of St. Catharines
Beatrice and Michael Berman Canadian Federation of University Women, St. Catharines Ellen Gretsinger Richard Juritsch Kinsmen Club of Fonthill and District
Marco Medeiros Niagara Falls Rotary Club Optimist Club of Welland Lily Shennan Glenn and Ashley Skrubbeltrang
Kiwanis Club of Welland
Jennifer and Dean Wakil, in memory of Gilles Pilon
Cecilia and David Lane
Tina Yeung-Moore
Areechit Lertprasopsik
“One cannot overestimate the importance of a dynamic arts and cultural scene to any flourishing community. The Niagara Symphony Orchestra’s value is integral to the cultural and economic renaissance of this region. With a spectacular new home, the NSO will continue to bless the lives of those who live and work in Niagara.” Ed Kidd Headmaster Ridley College
PAGE 4 | 2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT
report from the treasurer I am pleased to report again this year we have ended the fiscal year with a small surplus. The condensed financial information is detailed below. The audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2015 are available upon request or may be viewed on our web site.
For the fiscal year 2015-16, we have again budgeted for a surplus, with the long-term goal remaining of reducing our accumulated deficit. To Virginia Atkin, Candice Turner-Smith and Alan Dyer — stalwart members of the Finance Committee — my sincere appreciation for all their hard work. Malcolm Smith Treasurer
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Treasurer's Report The accompanying condensed financial statements represent an extract from the annual financial statements of The Niagara Symphony Treasurer's Report Association for the year ended July 31, 2015. A complete set of financial statements, together with the reports of our auditors Grant Thornton, Niagara Symphony Association Financial Overview 2014/2015 Niagara Symphony Association Financial Overview 2014/2015 is available upon request from Niagara Symphony Association 113Bond Treasurer's Rudited eport Condensed AThe Financial Statements * Fiscal Year office Ended Jat uly 1, 2015Street, Suite 207, St. Catharines Ontario L2R 4Z4. Condensed Audited Financial Statements * Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2015 Treasurer's Report Niagara Symphony Association Statement of Financial Position Financial Overview 2014/2015 Statement oAf udited Financial Position Condensed FAinancial Statements iscal Year Ended July 31, 2015 ASSETS 2015 2014 Niagara S ymphony ssociation Financial *O Fverview 2014/2015 ASSETS 2015 2014 Cash/Short Tudited erm Assets $ 91,984 $ 73,278 Condensed A F inancial S tatements * F iscal Y ear E nded J uly 3 1, 2 015 Cash/Short oTf erm AssetsPosition $ 91,984 $ 73,278 Statement Financial Restricted Cash 5,633 6,574 Restricted Cash 5,633 6,574 ASSETS 2015 2014 Capital Assets 213,639 210,669 Statement of Financial Position Capital Assets 213,639 210,669 Cash/Short Term Assets 1,984 3,278 TOTAL ASSETS $ $ 3 911,255 $ $ 2 7 90,520 ASSETS 2015 2014 TOTAL ASSETS $ 311,255 $ 290,520 Restricted Cash/Short CTash erm Assets $ 95,633 1,984 $ 76,574 3,278 Capital Assets 213,639 210,669 Restricted Cash 5,633 6,574 TOTAL $ 3213,639 11,255 $ 2210,669 90,520 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Capital AASSETS ssets LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Bank indebtedness $ 1333,496 9,131 TOTAL ASSETS 11,255 $ $ 2 90,520 Bank indebtedness $ 133,496 $ 9,131 Accounts Payable/accrued liabilities 89,770 65,131 Accounts Payable/accrued liabilities 89,770 65,131 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Deferred Revenue 176,339 208,349 Deferred Revenue 176,339 Bank indebtedness $ 1 33,496 $ 208,349 9,131 Directors' loans 20,000 118,000 LIABILITIES A ND N ET A SSETS Directors' Ploans 20,000 118,000 Accounts ayable/accrued liabilities Total iabilities $ 19,605 $ $ 4 65,131 00,611 Bank iLLndebtedness $ 4 189,770 33,496 9,131 Total iabilities $ 4 19,605 $ 4 00,611 Deferred 176,339 208,349 Accounts RPevenue ayable/accrued liabilities 89,770 65,131 Directors' l oans 20,000 118,000 Instrument Endowment Fund $ 176,339 5,633 $ 208,349 6,574 Deferred Revenue Instrument Endowment Fund 5,633 00,611 6,574 Total Liabilities $ (113,983) $ 4 19,605 $ (116,665) $ 4118,000 Unrestricted Net Deficiency Directors' loans 20,000 Unrestricted Net Deficiency (113,983) (116,665) Total N et Assets (deficiency) $ $ ( 108,350) ( 110,091) Liabilities 419,605 $ $ 400,611 Total Net Assets (deficiency) $ ($ 108,350) 110,091) Instrument Endowment Fund 5,633 $ ($ 6,574 Unrestricted N et D eficiency (113,983) (116,665) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NFET ASSETS $ $ 3 11,255 $ $ 2 90,520 Instrument Endowment und 5,633 6,574 TOTAL IABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 108,350) 311,255 $ $ 110,091) 290,520 Total NLet Assets deficiency) $ $ ((113,983) ((116,665) Unrestricted Net (D eficiency Total Net Assets (deficiency) $ (108,350) $ (110,091) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 311,255 $ 290,520 Statement of Revenues and Expenses TOTAL LIABILITIES AND N ET A SSETS Statement of Revenues and Expenses REVENUE REVENUE Earned Revenue Statement of Revenues and Expenses Earned Revenue Education Education Statement Soponsorships f Revenues and Expenses REVENUE Corporate Corporate Sponsorships Earned Revenue Fundraising REVENUE Fundraising Education Government Support Earned Revenue Government Support Corporate Sponsorships TOTAL REVENUE Education TOTAL REVENUE Fundraising Corporate Sponsorships Government Fundraising Support EXPENSES TOTAL REVENUE EXPENSES Government Support Production Production TOTAL REVENUE Audience Services Audience EXPENSESServices Education Production Education EXPENSES Marketing Audience ProductionServices Marketing Fundraising Education Audience Services Fundraising Administration Administration Marketing Education TOTAL EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES Fundraising Marketing Administration EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES Fundraising EXCESS DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES TOTAL E(XPENSES Administration TOTAL EXPENSES EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES
$ 311,255
$ 290,520
2015 2015 $ 229,168 $ 229,168 125,946 125,946 2015 111,273 111,273 $ 2 29,168 379,006 2015 379,006 125,946 $ 145,078 229,168 145,078 111,273 $ 9125,946 90,471 $ 9 90,471 379,006 111,273 145,078 379,006 $ 9145,078 90,471 $ 427,215 $ 27,215 $ 4951,720 90,471 51,720 126,187 $ 4 27,215 126,187 56,621 51,720 $ 456,621 27,215 87,706 126,187 51,720 87,706 239,281 239,281 56,621 $ 9126,187 88,730 $ 987,706 88,730 56,621 239,281 $ 87,706 1,741 $ 1,741 $ 9239,281 88,730
2014 2014 $ 180,489 $ 180,489 119,909 119,909 2014 67,087 67,087 $ 1 80,489 268,986 2014 268,986 119,909 $ 123,196 180,489 123,196 67,087 $ 7119,909 59,667 $ 7 59,667 268,986 67,087 123,196 268,986 $ 7123,196 59,667 $ 328,618 $ 28,618 $ 3742,277 59,667 42,277 109,641 $ 3 28,618 109,641 50,065 42,277 $ 350,065 28,618 63,871 109,641 42,277 63,871 165,025 165,025 50,065 $ 7109,641 59,497 $ 763,871 59,497 50,065 165,025 $ 170 63,871 $ 170 $ 7165,025 59,497
$ 988,730 $ 1,741
$ 759,497 $ 170
2014/2015 $ 1,741 ANNUAL $ 170REPORT | PAGE 5
thank you to our donors The Niagara Symphony Orchestra is grateful for the generous support of our Corporate and Individual Communities, as well as the contributions we receive from Foundations, Community Partners and multiple levels of government. Your investment in our past, present and future has led us to a major milestone in the evolution of the NSO; presenting a world class orchestra alongside international talent in a state-of-the-art facility. It is with deepest thanks and gratitude that we recognize our incredible supporters who enable to us to inspire our community through the power of music. Thank you! Diamond ($10,000+) Carol and David Appel Virginia Atkin and Keith Ambachtsheer Janet and Peter Partridge
Platinum Elite ($5,000-$9,999) Leanne and David Steiner
Platinum ($2,500-$4,999) Rioux and Faye Cosby Dr. Joseph and Yvette Kushner Kay and Malcolm Smith
Gold ($1,000-$2,499) Carol Bell Cathy and Terry Boak Joan and Larry Bourk Nancy and Douglas Court Patricia Grimes and Richard Cowper Peter W. Partridge and Poppy Gilliam J. Stuart Glass Robin Guard Robert and Josephine Henderson Margaret and John Krall Vicki and Patrick Little Helen Miller Christopher Newton Polly Hogan and Ron Ritchell Joe and Anita Robertson Dr. Howard and Marlene Slepkov Robert Smith Ellie Tesher and Vian Ewart: In Honour of Carol and David Appel H. Paul and Edith van Dongen, in grateful recognition Howie Vant Joyce Webb
Silver ($500-$999) Scott and Ruth Aspinall Richard Cameron and James Lee Monique Charette Margaret Combe Alan and Susan Dyer Amalie and Peter Enns Richard and Jayne Evans Maurice and Marilyn Gomme
PAGE 6 | 2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. Astrid Heyer and Dr. Matthew Royal Katherine and Jacob Hildebrand Lauren and Derek Hundert John and Irene Inglis Linda and Eric Jones Rev. Richard Juritsch Kathleen Langlois Dr. Elizabeth Oliver Malone and the late Dr. Ralph Malone Marion Mooradian Dr. Robert and Shirley Olley Dr. Nicholas and Mrs. Colleen Pohran Tom and Jane Quinlan Tom and Gail Richardson Joan Sisler-Wells Annie Slade Dr. Susan Sydor Jean and Lester Taylor Bradley Thachuk Rose and William Thachuk, in memory Candice Turner-Smith Marion Vijh
Bronze ($100-$499) Jack and Verna Agler Denise and Stephen Archer Diane Bain Douglas Bates David and Marlene Bath Larry and Susan Bearss Barbara Bell Evelyn Bergen Diane Bielicki Charles and Jane Burke Betty Calato Margaret Caven Bill and Anna Chambers Spencer and Margaret Childs Carl and Elizabeth Christensen Jahee Chung Kevin and Rebecca Clark Monique DeJonghe Karin Di Bella Eleanor Didemus Anna Difilippo Jim and Jane Dundas Colin and Madeleine Duquemin Harry and Ingrid Edmonstone Dr. Ian and Dr. Diana Ellingham Annie Enns
Margaret Ferguson Carol Gaspari Marion Gayder Martin and Brenda Gibson Arnold and Marlene Goertzen Fred and Alice Habermehl Gerald Hall Doran and Judy Hallett Robert and Nancy Hayden James and Marie K. Housley William and Mary Houston Elizabeth and Peter Howes Peter and Erika Janzen Douglas and Mary Junke Ivan and Susan Kelly David Kennedy Carol Leroux Barbara Leslie Sun Lim Sarah Lynch Helen MacDonald John Ross MacDonald Irene M. and Gordon MacGregor Shirley Maitland Lawrence Martello William A. Matheson Gordon McKindsey Gus and Joan Medina Victoria Olds Sylvie-Ring Peterson Rose Philip Les and Rosemary Phillis Ross Ransom Julie Ranti John and Karen Reynolds Eleanor Ryczak Mari Shantz Lynne and Ed Silver Marilyn Stewart Mildred Stobart Stan Thimm Laura Thomas R. Wray Tighe Doris Toepp Dr. William and Theodosia Tytaneck John Van Every Anne Virag Karen Whitworth
$50-$99
2014/15 Corporate Sponsors
Rosamund Battye
Brock University Centre for the Arts
Bill and Arlene Brice Janet Cannon Hester and Rene DeJonghe Michelle DeJonghe John and Valerie Dempsey Dorothy Dundas Gary and Susan Felpel William and Gwyneth Gibbon Jill Goebel Lois Marsh Ronald Martens Sharon Kim McMillan James and Margaret Miller Jacquelyn Morgan Martin and Michelle Myers Doreen Peever Gail Poulsen Frank and Aimee Roger Margaret Stewart Marcia Turner Anne Whitehead Robert Young
Burtnik Printing Inc Canadian Tire Financial Services Cogeco Coventry Transportation D & S Pianos EZ Rock 105.7 Fallsview Casino Resort Fogo Island Inn Four Points by Sheraton Grant Thornton Inniskillin Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines Meridian Credit Union Newstalk 610 CKTB Niagara Community Foundation Niagara This Week Ontario Power Generation Janet and Peter Partridge Performance Lexus Porter Airlines RBC Royal Bank RBC Wealth Management Ridley College Sapphires Custom Jewellery Silversmith Brewing Company SunMedia The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre The Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation The Standard, Niagara Falls Review, The Tribune
In Memory Of Marion Vijh The Niagara Symphony Orchestra also wishes to extend our deepest thanks to our anonymous donors.
TVCOGECO Walker Industries Yamaha
Corporate and Foundation Donations 13th Street Winery Art & Val Fleming Fund Bottle Green, Tree of Life Canada Canadian Tire Financial Services Chef Tony de Luca Chocolates Etc. Gibbys Electronic Supermarket Imperial Oil Limited Foundation Jackson-Triggs Winery Long & McQuade Marilyn & Norris Walker Fund Marion Cross Foundation Niagara College Culinary Students Niagara College Greenhouse Probus Club of St. Catharines Regal Florists Robert Nowell Photography Savoia Hors D’oeuvres Inc. The Epicurean The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation Vintage Hotels, Prince of Wales
Government Support Canada Council for the Arts Ontario Arts Council Ontario Trillium Foundation City of St. Catharines
We gratefully acknowledge those who have pledged their support to the NSO’s multi-year Making our Move Campaign BENEFACTOR ($50,000+) Carol and David Appel Virginia Atkin and Keith Ambachtsheer Janet and Peter Partridge
PATRON ($15,000-$29,999) Dr. Joseph and Yvette Kushner Leanne and David Steiner
SUPPORTER ($7,500 - $14,999) Rioux and Faye Cosby William and Anne Finley Dr. Howard and Marlene Slepkov Kay and Malcolm Smith
FRIEND ($1,500-$7,499) Carol Bell Cathy and Terry Boak Joan and Larry Bourk Richard Cameron and James Lee
Monique Charette Margaret Combe Nancy and Douglas Court Alan and Susan Dyer Amalie and Peter Enns Richard and Jayne Evans J. Stuart Glass Maurice and Marilyn Gomme Patricia Grimes and Richard Cowper Robin Guard The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation Robert and Josephine Henderson Katherine and Jacob Hildebrand Polly Hogan and Ron Ritchell Lauren and Derek Hundert Linda and Eric Jones Rev. Richard Juritsch Margaret and John Krall Kathleen Langlois Vicki and Patrick Little Dr. Elizabeth Oliver Malone and the late Dr. Ralph Malone Helen Miller
Marion Mooradian Christopher Newton Peter W. Partridge and Poppy Gilliam Dr. Nicholas and Mrs. Colleen Pohran Joe and Anita Robertson Daniella Rousal Dr. Astrid Heyer and Dr. Matthew Royal Joan Sisler-Wells Annie Slade Robert Smith Dr. Susan Sydor Jean and Lester Taylor Ellie Tesher and Vian Ewart: In honour of David and Carol Appel Bradley Thachuk Rose and William Thachuk, in memory Candice Turner-Smith H. Paul and Edith van Dongen, in grateful recognition Joyce Webb
Donations received as of July 31, 2015
2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 7
2014 2015 board of directors EXECUTIVE Chair Dr. Howard Slepkov Vice Chair and Fundraising Chair Virginia Atkin Treasurer Malcolm Smith Secretary Jayne Evans
MEMBERS AT LARGE Carol Appel, Co-chair, Making our Move Campaign Dr. Terry Boak, Professor Emeritus, Brock University Monique Charette, Human Resources Management Committee Brent Harasym Dr. Joseph Kushner, City Liaison, Councillor, City of St. Catharines Patrick Little, Nominating and Board Development Chair Roseanne Morissette Christopher Newton, CM, Artistic Liaison Daniella Rousal, Education Committee Chair Dr. Matthew Royal, Brock University Liaison Jim Stangier, Niagara Youth Orchestra Liaison Erika Janzen and Charlene Nagel, NSO Players Committee Robin Guard, Education Chair Emeritus
ARTISTIC STAFF Music Director Bradley Thachuk Associate Conductor Laura Thomas Operations Manager William Chambers Librarian Alison Thomson
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Managing Director Candice Turner-Smith Education and Communications Manager B.J. Armstrong Fundraising Manager Lauren Hundert Artistic Administrator Chelsea Dominguez-Smith Administrative and Education Assistant Annie Slade Accountant Alan Dyer Database Manager Sarah Lynch
“The Niagara Symphony Orchestra is integrally woven into the fabric of Niagara’s rich cultural mosaic – we are blessed to have a symphony of such high calibre. I join everyone in the excitement of their move to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre which will attract more and more music lovers to experience the joys of this great symphony.” Dan Patterson President Niagara College PAGE 8 | 2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT
2014 2015 nso musicians FLUTE
Doug Miller P Patricia Dydnansky
FLUTE/PICCOLO
Julia Morley
OBOE
Graham Mackenzie P Karen Ages
CLARINET Zoltan Kalman P Amrom Chodos
BASSOON
Anna Norris P
FRENCH HORN Austin Hitchcock P Janice Fralick Iris Krizmanic Curtis Vander-Hyden TRUMPET Ira Zingraff P Andrew Bearcroft TROMBONE
Steve Fralick P Dave Sisler
BASS TROMBONE
James Zimmerman
TUBA
TYMPANI
Brent Adams P Laura Thomas P
PERCUSSION Julian Jeun Mike Phelan HARP
Deborah Braun
VIOLIN 1
Valerie Sylvester P
Concertmaster
Xiaoling Li
Associate Concertmaster Michael van Dongen
Dianne Humann William Chambers Gail Poulsen Natalie Wong
VIOLIN 2 Charlene Nagel P Mary Beth Doherty Erika Janzen David Braun Jadwiga Pomorski Vera Alekseeva VIOLA Marlene Dankiw-Bath P AndrĂŠe Simard Terry Ball Phyllis Dankiw Pierre Gagnon CELLO Gordon Cleland P Sandra Bohn Mark Russom BASS
Brian Baty P Neal Evans Fil Stasiak
Uri Mayer, Conductor Emeritus Ron Richards, Artist Laureate Jack Silverstein, Deryck Aird, Artists in Memorium P denotes Principal
2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 9
2014/2015 Season
MASTERWORKS niagarasymphony.com
Fantastique! Will to Live Apotheosis Simple Gifts Beethoven and the Baroness
POPS! Hallelujah Home for the Holidays Dancing Queen The Very Model of… Gilbert and Sullivan
NEXT GENERATION It’s Our Game Carnival of the Animals Beethoven Lives Upstairs