The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony has announced a five-year extension of Music Director Edwin Outwater’s contract. Mr. Outwater began work with the KWS in 2007; with this announcement, his work with the KWS will now extend to 2015. Speaking about his appointment, Maestro Outwater said “this is a remarkable orchestra. Over the past three seasons, I have enjoyed working with these outstanding musicians, whose versatility has allowed us to perform everything and anything from Monteverdi’s Vespers to electronica. It is this unique combination of tradition and innovation that has inspired me and has enabled us to create a wonderful rapport with our audiences, while allowing us to push the envelope as artists.” For more information about the KW Symphony, you can visit their website here.
The Vancouver Symphony has appointed Pierre Simard to the position of Assistant Conductor. Maestro Simard is also Artistic Director with both the Vancouver Island Symphony and the Orchestre Symphonique de Drummondville in Quebec. He has served as Associate Conductor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and has performed as guest conductor with orchestras across North America. Mr. Simard is thrilled with the appointment and is looking forward to the start of the new season: “What an honour it is to become part of the VSO family!” says Simard. “It is the perfect job: working with one of Canada’s finest orchestras, in one of the best places on Earth.”
The Ontario Arts Council has announced the appointment of Cathryn Gregor to the role of Arts Investment Fund Manager. Cathryn, who until recently as Chief Operating Officer of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, will oversee the administration of a 3-year, $27 million funding program just announced by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, designed to strengthen not-for-profit arts organizations receiving operating grants from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC).
