Donor Stories

I have had classical music, particularly symphonic music, in my life since I was a little girl. My grandfather was a lawyer in Kitchener but his real love was music. For many years he played viola in the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. I well remember going to concerts in the Lyric Theatre in Kitchener before the Orchestra’s re-location to The Centre in the Square. Both my grandmother and mother were members of the Orchestra’s Women’s Committee as the Volunteer Committee was then called.

For over 60 years my late husband, Larry, and I have been pleased to support symphonic music and those organizations that promote classical music and opera. In response to Glen Gould’s departure from the concert stage in preference for the recording studio, Larry Agranove said, “The concert hall is not dead. There is no substitute for being in the same room with a group of live musicians, breathing the same air, occupying the same space, interacting with one another and affecting one another.”

I grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and for my 5th birthday gift I received my first season ticket to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. After that first season I remember every year for the last night of Chanukah my ticket was renewed. I remember getting all dressed up, grabbing my special pillow to sit on so I could see and going with my parents to The Syria Mosque where the PSO had performed from their early days. Watching their Conductor William Steinberg was my favourite part of the concert.

Three cheers for London Symphonia. You have created a diverse program which appeals to all musical tastes. We are Bach-Beethoven-Bartok diehards but have discovered new talents we love. We particularly enjoyed the programs which featured the reading of letters between composers interspersed with their music. We also loved Danny Michel’s concert augmented with a fabulous slide commentary from his arctic trip with Chris Hadfield on a Russian ship. Please continue to feature local talent with which London is so generously blessed.

Classical music has been an integral part of our lives since early childhood in Winnipeg; and we have gone to virtually all the symphony concerts in London since we came here in 1970. Every day, classical music invigorates and inspires us on the radio, TV and computer; but nothing is more inspirational than live concerts. For example, the performances by Scott St. John and Joe Lanza in September of 2020 were particularly memorable.

I grew up in a village many miles from an orchestra, even a visiting one. I took the faithful CBC radio for granted, but failed to experience all the immediacies of music - including silence - until later in life. The experience of a live performance with a fine orchestra made up of musicians you care about playing for an audience you care about is irreplaceable. All the people of London, but especially the young people, should have that opportunity. This is why I donate to London Symphonia.

I have only been in London for three years, and one of the first things my partner Elizabeth introduced me to was London Symphonia. I was not too sure it was going to be my thing, but one performance certainly dispelled that. I don't think we have missed a single performance since then, and we have become ardent supporters. London Symphonia is a true gem in this culturally thriving city.

William Horne

Can you imagine a world where there is no music of any kind? Absolutely not, it does not even bear thinking about. Music is so powerful and there is music to suit every possible mood. Although I do not play a musical instrument I have a great passion for music and love to attend as many live performances of classical music as I can. I felt truly honored when I was invited to join the Board of Directors for London Symphonia, and I have proudly served as Chair of the Individual Donor Committee for four years.

“Many thanks to the staff, Board and volunteers for working so hard to provide a 20-21 season for the London Symphonia. Even though the external controls for Covid-19 have frustrated efforts on occasion, you have been steadfast in your efforts!

I tell everyone that London Symphonia is the only organization to which I belong that actually issued a seasonal concert program last year. We enjoyed the virtual concerts – and were encouraged by the great staff work in making these happen.

For myself, music "feeds the soul". Science informs us that music stimulates the brain on many aspects of health, ranging from memory and mood to cardiovascular function and athletic performance. Music re-energizes us. Notice how uplifted you feel after a concert.
Many other forms of music have been informed and inspired by classical music and vice versa. We are so fortunate to have and to hold London Symphonia, yes hold close to us, and cherish the opportunity to hear live classical music. This is why I am a donor and why this act gives me so much pleasure in return.

“After silence, that which comes closer to expressing the inexpressible is music.” A. Huxley.

Now, after many quiet months inside, we shall return to live performances of London Symphonia. This group is creating variations on well known musical pieces and is striving to expand its repertoire. Because of the musicianship, the energy and the determination of this talented group, it deserves our physical presence and our monetary support. It is a privilege to continue to support London Symphonia.

ANONYMOUS

From the Virtual Pen of a long-time donor at the Visionary level:.

There once was an orchestra
Greatly in need.
The oboist wanted a
Much better reed.
The music was tattered and
So hard to read.
The tympani's cover was
Going to seed!

Along came a donor with
Pockets of gold
She knew that the orchestra
Must not fold--
It HAD to keep playing for young and old!
She gathered her money, the
Kind that did fold.