Can the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Make a Comeback?

Mitch Oxford — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:50:05 +0000

When the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony — a beloved institution for Tri-City music lovers and visitors alike — suddenly closed its doors this fall, it was a huge blow to the community. The closure was a stark reminder of just how fragile our connection to the arts can be.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony was a source of joy, enrichment, and inspiration for audiences and young artists in the region for decades. But behind the scenes, it was struggling to make ends meet. Arts funding is becoming tougher to come by, audiences for live events are dwindling and most arts organizations are still reeling from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September, it was forced to declare bankruptcy, dissolve the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association board and shut down a week before the season was set to begin. Since then, however, there have been rumblings that all is not lost.

Leading up to a concert performance by musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony in early May, we heard news that board chair Rachel Smith-Spencer was making a call for new board members. Nothing is for certain, but this means there is a possibility that the Kitchener-Waterloo symphony could be back in some shape or form if they can work out a proposal to satisfy its creditors. While I’m not necessarily holding my breath, I am definitely crossing my fingers.

Like so many of the clients I work with as a piano technician — whether that’s a high-profile musician performing at Guelph’s River Run Centre or a young family sharing the gift of music with their children — I believe the arts are not a luxury but a vital component of a healthy society. Live music makes communities more vibrant, promotes understanding and empathy and, of course, fosters creativity.

As we mourn the loss of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and hope for better days ahead, let’s recommit ourselves to preserving and nurturing the arts in all their forms — whether at public venues or in our own homes. If a new board does manage to reinvigorate the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony in some form, they will need our support. They will need people making donations, volunteering their time and most importantly, supporting the artists by purchasing tickets. This is the only way to ensure the arts thrive and can take root in the hearts and minds of future generations.

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Happy Retirement, Paul!

Mitch Oxford — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:12:23 +0000

After a 40 year career, a fellow piano tuner from Kitchener has retired. I first met Paul in 2013. I had purchased a piano and when he came to tune it, he also inadvertently inspired my decision to pursue piano technology as a career.

Paul was a talented piano tuner and craftsman and I remember asking that first day if he would take me on as his apprentice. He politely declined, but pointed me toward a piano technology course offered at the time at Western University in London, Ont. I will never forget the feeling of excitement when I realized this was the career for me.

Early on in my career I met quite a few technicians still working in their 70s and 80s — and I used to wonder why they hadn’t retired yet. 10 years into my own career, it’s perfectly clear. Once you experience the joy and connection that pianos make possible, you never want to stop.

I will, of course, hang up my tools one day. But I appreciate every minute I get to be part of the arts community and help people’s pianos sound their best — whether in churches, theatres or homes. It’s a privilege to serve my clients in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. I can only hope I am able to inspire others to consider the profession — and operate Oxford Piano Service for many years to come.

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Can the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Make a Comeback?

Happy Retirement, Paul!