Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount
MINUTES OF MEETING
Date: November 1, 2023 Prepared by: Bill Green
Announcements: President Brandon introduced his guests: daughter Ella Flewwelling, father-in-law Ray Finnie, guest of Brad Enns – Brooke Ryan, guest of Michelle Burke, her partner Nick and visiting Rotarian Louise Gardner.
Birthdays: Jeff Heimpel. Wedding anniversary Kelly and Terry Strome.
John Thompson talked about member Simon Adler’s presentation to Rotary members, another opportunity is planned for next week – John to send out e-mail. Simon is planning to return next week.
Coming up Mildmay Rotary Club anniversary dinner on Nov. 15th; our Christmas Party at Hacienda on December 13th; Off-site meeting Nov. 29th at Waterloo Region Police Service HQ on Maple Grove Road followed by lunch at Moose Wanooski’s.
Please reply before end of the month for Christmas Party registration – no dodling!
Mac noted that the Rotary store is open until Saturday.
Guests of Members: above
50/50 Pot: $93.50 tickets drawn - Karin, John Rose, Louise Gardner No winner
Guest Speaker: Martin de Groot, local arts and culture advocate
Alex Pavlov introduced Martin.
Martin’s presentation focused on the recently demised Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra (KWS) and his thoughts on whether an organizational soul exists and can be the foundation for re-establishing a professional orchestra in our community.
Recent events:
- Sept. 17 - KWS cancelled upcoming season performances;
- 5 days later – KWS Board applies for bankruptcy, Board resigns;
- 52 full time musicians, 50 – 60 support staff out of work.
History:
Originally (1868) the Berlin Philharmonic & Orchestral Society. Foundational elements included many local bands and choirs including the Concordia German Canadian Choir Association. In 1922 the Kitchener-Waterloo Philharmonic Choir was established followed in 1945 by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony to accompany the choir.
In 1972 Rafi Armenian came to Kitchener to lead and transform KWS into a professional orchestra. He also was instrumental in the planning and development of the Centre in the Square Concert Hall which now bares his name. This history covers 140 years, 7 generations.
Martin’s view:
There is a ‘soul’ or ‘life force’ of this organization – a ‘spirit’ that has transcended life spans of individuals.
He asked – “what does the symphony mean to the community?” “How does it distinguish Kitchener?”
Howard Dyck says it ceases to exist and as a legal corporation Martin agreed. However, he made the point that KWS remains alive as long as there are people left to keep it in motion, to keep the music going. Howard and Martin are working to keep it going.
KWS is cornerstone of arts in this Region. Martin contends that it is not enough to rescue KWS, but we need to apply creativity and innovation to build a new civic orchestra based on:
- The legacy – 140 years, 7 generations, a conservatory approach and to be viewed as part of an Asset Based Community Development program;
- Civic dimension – what does it mean to a mid-sized community;
- Vision – is there a grander vision similar to what the Shakespeare Festival is to Stratford, or the University of Waterloo is to the tech sector.
Time to start working on something new! SOS Save Our Symphony 2024.
Tim Bradich thanked our speaker with our Operation Eyesight certificate.
Meeting Adjourned.
Martin de Groot- Background:
— founder, programming & development, Home Range: Story Kitchen | adventures in media 2020 – present
— occasional columnist, The Evening Muse (Substack newsletter)
— biweekly columnist, CultKW @ THEMUSEUM 2020-2022
— programming & development, Commons Studio @ The Working Centre 2012-2020
— host, program editing & development, Promenade community radio magazine, CKWR 98.5 2019 – present
— arts & culture columnist for Waterloo Region Record 1997 – 2019
— executive director Waterloo Regional Arts Council 2001 – 2011
— triple graduate of University of Waterloo Arts, including PhD in U.S. History
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