Orchestra London Canada
| Company type | Professional symphony orchestra |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Founder | Bruce Sharpe |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Fate | Bankruptcy and termination |
| Headquarters | London, Ontario , Canada |
| Products | Symphony orchestra performances |
Orchestra London (Canada) was a professional symphony orchestra situated in London, Ontario.
History
During the 1890s, a group called the London Symphony Orchestra performed in London, Ontario, preceding the establishment of the London Symphony Orchestra in England, which was founded in 1904.
The ensemble known today originated in 1937 when conductor and violinist Bruce Sharpe founded the London Civic Symphony Orchestra. With enhanced financial support, Martin Boundy assumed the role of music director in 1950 and led until 1969.[1] In 1957, the orchestra expanded its professional musicians and adopted the name London Symphony Orchestra.
In 1964, the orchestra joined forces with the Robert Shaw Chorale and the London Conservatory Choir for a rendition of William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast, conducted by Robert Shaw at the University of Western Ontario. The London Conservatory Choir, under Earle Terry’s leadership from 1953 to 1968, also collaborated with this orchestra as well as with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra during their visits.
The opening of Centennial Hall in 1967 provided the orchestra with a permanent performance space.[2] The inaugural event at this venue featured Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
A $100,000 donation from the Richard and Jean Ivey Fund in 1975 enabled the hiring of 30 full-time musicians, which made the orchestra eligible for Canada Council funding. William Littler of the Toronto Star commended it as "...an orchestra capable of serving an entire region."[3]
Under Clifford Evens’ leadership in the mid-1970s, the orchestra attained full professional status. In 1981, it was renamed Orchestra London to distinguish itself from its famous British counterpart.[4]
The orchestra continued regular seasons led by music directors Clifford Evens (1969-1979), Victor Feldbrill (1979-1981), Alexis Hauser (1981-1988), Uri Mayer (1988-1994), Mark Laycock (1995-1998), Simon Streatfeild (1999-2000), Timothy Vernon (2000-2010), and Alain Trudel (2010-2014).[5]
Esteemed guest soloists featured tenor Jon Vickers, pianists Glenn Gould, Ronald Turini, and Louis Lortie, contraltos Jessye Norman and Maureen Forrester, baritone Robert Goulet, pianist Anton Kuerti, soprano Shirley Jones, jazz musician Moe Koffman, violinists James Ehnes and Scott St. John, as well as conductors Sir Ernest MacMillan and Mario Bernardi.
Bankruptcy and termination
Following several weeks of uncertainty, the orchestra halted all activities on December 11, 2014 due to substantial financial deficits. The musicians officially filed for bankruptcy on behalf of the organization on May 22, 2015.
Transition to London Symphonia
Following the bankruptcy, the contracted musicians took the initiative to organize and perform self-managed concerts within the London community. Initially known as "#WePlayOn," the group adopted the name London Symphonia on January 20, 2017, unveiling a fresh logo and launching a new website at https://www.londonsymphonia.ca/. This ensemble features 28 musicians alongside a concertmaster and has partnered with distinguished soloists including violinist James Ehnes and pianist Janina Fialkowska.
External links
- https://musiciansorchestralondon.wordpress.com – The Musicians of Orchestra London
- London Symphonia
- ↑ Orchestra London. https://www.orchestralondon.ca/about/
- ↑ Centennial Hall. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/centennial-hall-emc
- ↑ Orchestra London Canada, 2004-2005. https://www.orchestralondon.ca/new/ourhistory/
- ↑ Novak, Barbara; Jane Baldwin; Andres Mcintosh (May 25, 2015). "Orchestra London Canada". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Foundation.
- ↑ Orchestra London. https://www.orchestralondon.ca/about/