Who We Are
The Kitchener - Waterloo Community Orchestra is an organization designed to provide amateur musicians with an environment in which they can play classical music as part of a full symphony orchestra. The KWCO’s goal is to create an atmosphere that is welcoming, low pressure, and accessible to musicians of all levels and backgrounds.
Our History
The Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra was inaugurated in 1979 as a summer repertory orchestra conducted by Erna Van Daele. The purpose of the orchestra was to provide an opportunity for amateur players in the community to sight-read a variety of orchestral music. An exciting summer of music led to a high interest in continuing the orchestra permanently. By 1980 the K-W Community Orchestra was launched, a constitution was written, and a formal board of directors was elected.
In 1985, the founding conductor, Erna Van Daele, resigned, and Edit Haboczki, a graduate of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, became our conductor for eight seasons. Erna returned for two years and then in January 1995, was followed by Fabio Mastrangelo from Bari, Italy, who remained with the orchestra until June 1998. In September of 1998, Daniel Warren became our conductor and remains to this day.
Our Internal Funding
Membership fees and fund-raising activities (like FundScrip!) undertaken by orchestra players are a significant source of our revenue. We also thank those individuals who make donations through CanadaHelps.org in support of our orchestra.
Fundscrip fundraiser Gift Card Invitation Code: LBT5XU
We also rely on income from the sale of tickets for individual concerts.
Our External Funding
We sincerely appreciate the financial support of our corporate sponsors and the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo.
Our Volunteers
Join Our Orchestra Management Team: Make a Difference in Your Community! Are you passionate about music and looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community? We invite you to join our orchestra management team and play a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of our city! Our orchestra is more than a group of musicians: we’re a community dedicated to bringing the joy of music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Behind every performance is a team of dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of our organization. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are seeking enthusiastic individuals like you to join us in various roles within orchestra management. Whether you have a background in administration, marketing, event planning, fundraising, or simply a love for music and a desire to make a difference, there’s a place for you on our team. No matter your skill level or availability, there is a role for you here. Whether you can commit to a few hours a week or just want to lend a hand during our exciting events, your contribution will be invaluable to our success. Join us in creating unforgettable musical experiences and fostering a vibrant arts community right here in our city. Together, we can make a difference and inspire the next generation of music lovers. Ready to take the stage with us? To learn more about volunteering with our orchestra management team, please contact Heather Sundin at kwcommunityorchestra@gmail.com. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
We celebrate our Waterloo Community Builder Award Volunteers
Celebrating our volunteers | City of Waterloo - for more information
2026
Merry Schmidt - 20 years - Section Leader - Second Violins
Doug Roberts - 15 years - Equipment Manager - Board 2001 - 2002 (Concert Manager) 2004 - 2006 (Concert Manager) 2009 - 2014 (Equipment Manager, VP, Member at Large)
Zyg Janecki - 20 years - Publicity, Board 2003 - 2016 (Publicity/Distribution, Member at Large), Trip Committee- Chair 2007 (Prague), 2011 Member of committee
Kae Elgie - 5 years - Front of House
Ron Scott - 10 years - Stepping in on percussion to perform at rehearsals and concerts and providing invaluable support throughout the years.
Anita Kirkland - 5 years - Stepping in with your clarinet to perform at rehearsals and concerts and providing invaluable support throughout the years.
Allen Lee - 30 years - Stepping in with your tuba to perform at rehearsals and concerts and providing invaluable support throughout the years.
Susan Lee - 25 years - Stepping in with your trombone to perform at rehearsals and concerts and providing invaluable support throughout the years.
2025
Rick Bond - 15 years - Board - Concert Organization (2022-2025) Trip Committee - Co-chair, Personnel, Library, CM - (2007, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020/4)
Deb Kraemer - 15 years - Opernball Dinner Concert 2010, 2025 Board 2021-22 (Acct/Legal) 2006-14 (Special Projects, President, Treasurer, Member at Large) Financial Reviews (2015-2016, 2018-2019) Trip Committee - Co-treasurer (2011)
Ellie Rimmer - 20 years - Opernball Auction Organization (2023, 2025) Trip Committee Member, Co-treasurer, Chair, Treasurer (2007, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020/4) Board 2005 - 2014 (Member at Large, President, Past President, special projects, ) 2018-19 (Secretary) 2021-22 (Member at Large) 2023, 2025 Opernball Committee Co-Chair (2010)
Rachel Prichard - 10 years - Venue Coordinator - Venue Co-Ordinator 2023-2025, Trip Committee - Co-Chair, Treasurer ( 2017, 2020/4) , Board - 2014 - 2023 (Venue Co-Ordinator, Concert Organization, VP, President)
Victor Herbert - 10 years - Front of House
2023 - 2024
Heather Rawlings – 45 years – Various – Treasurer
Charlene Herbert – 25 years – Librarian
Suzanne Brokaw – 10 years – Board of Directors
Janice Boich – 5 years – Board - Secretary
Merry Schmitt – 15 years – Second Violin Section Leader
Megan Roberts – 20 years – Front of House volunteer
Cindy Wright – 30 years – Various – Chamber Concert Coordinator
Rachel Prichard – 10 years – Venue Coordinator
Dan Clements – 10 Years – Website / IT
Jackie Wall – 10 years – Sponsorship
Fran Henderson – 45 years – Various – Fundraising
Ellie Rimmer – 15 years – Various
Maureen Taylor - 5 years - Front of House
Darcy Donovan - 2 years (under 25) - Front of House
Iasmina Popa - 2 years (under 25) - Front of House
Stephany Popa - 2 years (under 25 - Front of House