HITTING THE
HIGH NOTES
70 years after its inception , the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra continues to be the heart and soul of the city ’ s arts community . By ARVEL GRAy
music is embedded in winnipeg ’ s Dna . our prairie town has always marched to a different drum , and we have plenty to show for it : the birthplace of musicians like neil young and Burton cummings , winnipeg also boasts world famous festivals , a lively music scene , some of the oldest and most esteemed arts institutions in the country . among these institutions : the winnipeg symphony orchestra . celebrating its 70th season , the symphony is integral to the city ’ s cultural life , delighting more than 100,000 audience members each year with almost 300 concerts . the wso first opened its curtain in December 1948 to an audience of 3,000 , and within six seasons had become one of the top four orchestras in canada . it regularly tours throughout the country and has participated in hundreds of radio broadcasts , released numerous recordings , launched and nurtured an internationally renowned new music festival , and played twice at carnegie hall . the wso also provides the music for the royal winnipeg Ballet and manitoba opera association .
“ not many orchestras are able to switch so seamlessly between the classics , pop , Broadway , and playing with young local indie bands such as royal canoe , not to mention the amount of new music they play during the new music festival ,” says music director alexander mickelthwate . “ it ’ s astonishing really .” with a nucleus of 67 musicians , the organization has attracted professionals from around the world who have established significant careers here and a have made winnipeg their home ( currently , a husband , wife , and daughter all play in the string section ). photos : JJ Gil ( winnipeG symphony orchestra with royal canoe ); winnipeG symphony orchestra courtesy of winnipeG symphony orchestra .
6 where . ca September / OctOber 2017