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“In 2004, when we started Orchestra@U��ݮ��Ƶ, we had a conductor, Erna Van Daele, and a concertmaster, new faculty member Romy Shioda, but really nothing else — no budget and no rehearsal space. Luckily, Catharine Scott, Associate Provost of Human Resources and Student Services, was willing to support me — a computer science prof with the unlikely ambition to manage an orchestra,” reflected Anna Lubiw, one of the professors who started Orchestra@U��ݮ��Ƶ. 

Now, two decades later, the Orchestra is preparing for its 20th anniversary concert and has been part of the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ Music Department, managed by Conrad Grebel University College, since 2017. “Our first open rehearsal at the Humanities Theatre in September 2004 attracted more than 100 players. There are so many extraordinarily talented people at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ for whom music is a passion but not their career,” added Lubiw. “Taking the orchestra from a wishful dream to reality depended on the support of many people. It was fun to interact with people from across the campus.” she said. “The orchestra was also incredibly hard work, and I remember transporting borrowed percussion to every rehearsal in the early years.” 

“The Orchestra@U��ݮ��Ƶ began as an ensemble for students, staff and faculty from across the university to play orchestral music regardless of their discipline,” notes Mark Vuorinen, Chair of the Music Department. Orchestra players get a 0.25 credit and are often from STEM subjects.  

The current Conductor and Director of the Orchestra is Daniel Warren, who has conducted and played with the Kitchener-��ݮ��Ƶ Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian Chamber Ensemble. He is working with students to prepare a memorable anniversary concert which will include a piece the orchestra played during the very first inaugural concert, Academic Festival Overture by Brahms. “Brahms composed this piece when he was awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy. He cleverly incorporated several popular university drinking songs into the composition. It sounds very beautiful, and students were laughing but maybe the professors weren’t,” explained Warren. He also noted that “One of our studio instructors, Laurel Swindon, will be performing a concerto, which is something we don’t often do.” 

“For the concert, we have five major pieces that we’re playing, of which, my favorite piece would be the one by Tchaikovsky,” added Kavya Srinivasan, third-year student and concertmaster (lead violinist). “Dan has been a big influence. He always makes a lot of jokes and tells stories about the pieces, which makes them a lot more relatable. It’s a really fun environment to be in, and I look forward to orchestra rehearsal every week.” 

“We are grateful to the founders of the Orchestra, who, twenty years ago, had the foresight to create an ensemble that any member of the university community could be part of,” remarked Vuorinen. The Music department is also thankful to Associate Provost Chris Read for the support he gives to the Orchestra.  

Community members are invited to the 20th Anniversary Concert of the Orchestra@U��ݮ��Ƶ, which will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Knox Presbyterian Church in ��ݮ��Ƶ at 7:30. Admission is free and the concert will feature: Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco, Smetana’s The Moldau, Reinecke’s Concerto for Flute, and Academic Festival Overture by Brahms.  

Join staff and students to celebrate two decades of exceptional talent, dedication, and musical excellence.   

By Tasbiha Ansari