Last Friday night, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) marked the opening of the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts (CCPA) in Downtown Kitchener with a gala event celebrating the launch of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony concert season.
In spring 2009, the Manfred & Penny Conrad Family Foundation stepped in to preserve the former King Street Theatre Centre as a community-based venue for the performing arts for the region, with the KWS as anchor tenant and building manager.
“Our vision is to re-invigorate the downtown core by developing a vibrant arts space that is a true resource for the community at-large. I am thrilled that the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony will be the anchor tenant of this bustling space that will be used by a wide range of talented local artists and arts groups throughout the year. Our hope is that this facility will also be a preeminent destination for music and performing arts education.” says Penny Conrad.
While the KWS administrative offices have moved to the downtown location, the Centre In The Square will continue to be its primary performance venue. Rehearsals, educational and outreach programs (including programs offered through the KW Symphony’s extensive youth orchestra program) and smaller events will take place at the new Conrad Centre.
