News from the Niagara Symphony

Well, the Labour Day weekend is upon us, and along with kids starting back to school this week, many of us turn our attention to other pursuits as the summer begins to wind down for another year. Whether you enjoyed or despised the summer we had around these parts is up to you; for me, I thought it was quite lovely, thank you very much...

It is been awhile since I wrote anything about the Niagara Symphony, which is not unusual, since most symphony orchestras are rather quiet over the summer months, save for those with summer concert series planned. But I received word a week or so ago from the Niagara Symphony that new Executive Director, J. M. (Jack) Mills is already putting his stamp on the orchestra. A release came out last week that Judy Armstrong, better known to most people simply as "B.J.", has been appointed the Niagara Symphony's new Education Coordinator.

This is an inspired choice, I believe. B.J. will be helping to promote the symphony in ways it has not been promoted in the past, and hopefully reaching those young, aspiring music players and lovers who obviously will be the musicians and audience members of tomorrow. There will be a lot of work coordinating with Associate Conductor Laura Thomas on the successful Orchestra in the Classroom programme, along with other community outreach programmes.

B.J. comes to the symphony with a wealth of experience as Publicity Manager, Media Relations Coordinator, Education Coordinator and Stage Manager for such arts organizations as the Shaw Festival, the Grand Theatre, Theatre Beyond Words, Carousel Players and Theatre South. She comes by her musical knowledge naturally, as well as education and promotional skills honed from years of working with people of all ages, including work at Glenridge Public School in St. Catharines.

I have personally known B.J. for many years, going back to her days with the Publicity Department at the Shaw Festival, and more recently, as a client with my online music business, A Web of Fine Music (www.finemusic.ca). This should prove a fruitful partnership both for the symphony and for B.J.

This will be a very important season for the Niagara Symphony, of course, as they prepare to audition four candidates for the Music Director's post left vacant last season with the untimely departure of Daniel Swift. All four candidates for the job will each conduct one Masters and one Pops! performance during the upcoming season, which begins early next month. Then, in May 2010, hopefully the new Music Director will be announced, likely at the end of the current season. It should be an exciting season of creative music making, as four very talented conductors vie for the podium next season.

So, things look good for the Niagara Symphony as preparations are underway for the new season. I hope to get in to meet Mr. Mills very soon, and see how A Web of Fine Music and the Niagara Symphony will partner in the new season to bring music to many in Niagara.

Of course, you can always contact me through the website, www.finemusic.ca for all your musical needs regarding the symphony or for anything else you might be looking for, and complete season listings for the symphony can be found on the calendar page on my website as well.

Let the music begin!

September 5th, 2009.