Orchestra Kingston

Orchestra Kingston is an orchestra based in Kingston, Ontario.

A community orchestra, this is only the second community orchestra to be formed in Kingston, the first was the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, which started as a community orchestra and later developed into a semi-professional orchestra. It grew from a small chamber group that met every two weeks to read through classical works. The initial reception of the orchestra was positive and they were able to provide three concerts for 2008. Founding musical director John Palmer (now an Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre) continues to conduct and also compose for the orchestra. The group is also associated with the Canadian Alliance for New Music Projects with the Composer in the Classroom Project.^[1] Orchestra Kingston was awarded the pilot project and worked with Napanee High School to produce a work by students for the Orchestra. Andrew Staniland, Affiliate Composer to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, worked with the high school class to create their original work "The Spark". Gary Kulesha from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra conducted the work. The orchestra works to encourage the formation of smaller ensembles to improve skills. It fosters relationships with other community groups, such as the Limestone Choristers.

References

External links

• Profile on Orchestra Kingston This segment originally aired on K-Town Source, Kingston's newsmagazine program.
• Article The Whig Standard Stringing together a New Orchestra
• Article Napanee Guide Composer in the Classroom
• Orchestra Kingston Website
• Gary Kelusha