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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.

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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
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 - 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

© 2024 by The Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra. Powered and secured by Wix

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K-W Community Orchestra

18 Pine Hill Place

Kitchener, ON

N2P 2P6

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