Congratulations to bassoonist Bogdan Chetaru, and violinist Adam Despinic! Winners of Symphony Hamilton’s recent young artists’ competition, they will both be featured in the orchestra’s season closing concert at Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens on Sunday, 29 May at 3 p.m.

Symphony Nova Scotia has announced the appointment of Shalom Bard as its next Resident Conductor, succeeding Martin MacDonald in the role. The position is made possible by the Canada Council for the Arts’ Residencies for Composers and Conductors program. Bard, a clarinetist, has recently completed a Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting at McGill University. He will conduct the orchestra in more than 30 performances each season, including concerts on the orchestra’s main stage at the Rebecca Cohn, outreach concerts, and special events.

On June 16, Maestro John Morris Russell, music director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra – as well as the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra – will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor, in recognition of the many contributions he has made to the cultural and educational life of Windsor-Essex during his ten years as WSO music director.