2013/2014 Season

A n n u a l R e p o r t

B r a d l e y Th a c h u k , M u s i c D i r e c t o r

Niagara Symphony Orchestra2013/2014 Season Masterworks

One Thousand and One NightsReminiscing…Fairy Tales!Celestial SerenadesEpically Romantic POPS!

Matt DuskA “Radio City” Christmas!Shakin’, Not Stirred! The Music of James BondSultans of String FaMily series

The SnowmanChris McKhool’s Fiddle Fire!

Cover Photo: Winter Festival of Lights, November 9, 2013All photos by Terry Babij

Niagara Symphony Association

(referred to throughout as Niagara Symphony Orchestra)

101 King Street, Unit 16St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H6

905.687.4993www.thenso.ca

Charitable Reg. # BN 11924 7328RR0001

The St. Catharines Civic Orchestra was established in 1948 and was renamed The Niagara Symphony Association (NSA/NSO) in 1978. Now a 52-piece professional orchestra, a performance season includes 16 regular concerts presented in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre at Brock University: five Masterworks, four POPS! and three NextGEN (Family content) Series. The orchestra operates under a collective agreement with Local 298 of the AFofM.

Artistically, in 1958 Leonard Pearlman was at the helm, soon supplementing the regular series with performances of small-scale Baroque and contemporary scores at Rodman Hall. Milton Barnes succeeded Pearlman in 1964. Other music directors include Ermanno Florio, Uri Mayer, Michael Reason and Daniel Swift, who was succeeded by Canadian conductor Bradley Thachuk in 2010.

The 13-14 season celebrated our 66th year, and the orchestra has seen significant improvement in its ability to fulfill both its mission and serve as Orchestra in Residence at Brock. The move to a new Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines is slated for the fall of 2015.

About the Niagara Symphony Orchestra

Music Director’s Message

The 2013/14 season was the most artistically ambitious to date during my relatively new tenure as Music Director. It was a season in which many new initiatives were launched, spectacular guest artists joined us on stage and the orchestra was asked to rise to the occasion each and every concert weekend.

I am encouraged by the way both the audience and the orchestra have embraced the challenge of more ambitious programming, a trend that will continue in seasons to come. January’s Masterworks typifies the effectiveness of the direction we are taking in programming. The featuring of local talent in an innovative performance of Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream allowed us the opportunity to perform the Suk Fairy Tale in the first half of the concert, a work I believed was both useful in the development of the NSO as an ensemble and the expansion of our audience’s appreciation of repertoire. I would be remiss in not mentioning our performance of Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer with the incredible Lauren Segal and Bartok’s Music for Percussion, Strings and Celesta as pivotal moments in the history of this orchestra as we further our relationship with more challenging repertoire as an ensemble.

Our Pops season also saw us take huge strides forward in programming. The vision of the NSO as “Everyone’s Orchestra” can be truly realized in effective Pops programming. Featuring world-class artists such as Matt Dusk, and Sultans of String were important milestones as we more effectively incorporate “marquee” style Pops in our season. Making Jeans ‘n Classics part of our season also marks significant progress in our ability to best serve our audience.

I will end with the praise, once again, of our exemplary education programs. The effectiveness and importance of our educational activities can never be underestimated. We do this because it is morally incum-bent for us, as curators of music in the region, to ensure that this most universal of art forms thrills, enriches, and thrives in Niagara.

Congratulations to all for a great season. On to the next!

Bradley Thachuk, Music Director

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“I have been attending performances of the Niagara Symphony, formerly the St. Catharines Symphony, since they started in the Palace theatre some 50+ years ago. What a long way they have come in now providing an outstanding musical experience. We look forward to the move to Partridge Hall in the new Performing Arts Centre which will showcase their varied musical ability and related talents in the musical world of to-day. 2015 will be an exciting time as the “arts” move in to their new state of the art home in downtown St. Catharines.”

Marilyn I Walker

It is hard to believe it is already annual meeting time. So much has happened in the last year that it becomes an impossible task to encapsulate all the details in one short report. However, it can be accomplished if I begin by pointing out the obvious to our patrons, our friends and our donors. The music just keeps getting better and better. Under the enthusiastic baton of our Music Director, Bradley Thachuk, and asked to play exciting musical show stoppers, our musicians show their pleasure in being challenged and leave the stage exhausted but exuberant. From Scheherazade to Stewart Goodyear’s fantastic Count Up, it’s been magnificent.

Administratively, we have put together the kind of team that we need if we are going to be successful in our move next year to Partridge Hall in the new Performing Arts Centre. When we interviewed for the position of Music Director, now over three years ago, I asked each candidate how he or she would help us be successful in the new Performing Arts Centre. We are very excited about the road ahead, lead by Candice Turner-Smith, our outstanding Managing Director.

That road map has been examined in minute detail, starting with a strategic planning process. Your board remains committed to the financial and artistic success of the Niagara Symphony in the long run, making a contribution to the culture of Niagara and the vibrancy of downtown St. Catharines.

In closing, let me be the first but surely not the last to acknowledge the contributions of each of our Board members who continue to provide leadership and support in everything we do. Without each and every one of them, we simply would not be where we are today. They make me look good as president. Thank you.

Dr. Howard SlepkovChair, Board of DirectorsAnnual General Meeting, October 21, 2014

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Report from Board of Directors

“Janet and I are proud supporters of the NSO Making Our Move campaign. We can’t wait to welcome the orchestra to its new home, Partridge Hall, in the stunning Performing Arts Centre in the Fall of 2015. The countdown is on, and we look forward to sharing with our fellow NSO patrons many enriching musical experiences and riveting performances under Maestro Bradley Thachuk’s leadership.”

Peter M. Partridge

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The best and sharpest tools in the world are little help to those who don’t know what they are building and have no plan. Nothing could be further from the truth at the Niagara Symphony Orchestra. It’s an irresistible time to be a part of our journey as we await the arrival of the New Performing Arts Centre.

In the 2013/2014 season we underwent an intensive infrastructure rebuild to support the needs of the artistic community and to make the NSO a key part of culture in the Niagara region. Focusing on six areas --- artistic, finances, governance, administration, community and visibility, we developed a renewed and more cohesive set of guiding principles centered on: Culture of Quality, Collaborative Leadership, Visibility and Stability.

The positive financial results delivered this year is a combination of growing artistic strength, careful management, a renewed commitment to on-going balanced budgets and without exception, acts of generosity. The annual fundraising gala is thanks to the support of many individuals and businesses in our community. The depth of our performance and education programming is all part of a vital and energetic fulfillment to this region.

The NSO must always be in a state of becoming; building on what we have learned to sustain the future. We know our musicians can create moments that take your breath away, where a community can be proud of itself and the experience it affords its residents. We continue to look forward with optimism and inspiration to a future in which the role of the NSO remains a source of pride and a generator of benefits far beyond anyone’s expectations.

We extend our gratitude to our many patrons, donors and corporate and community partners. Their support, generosity and commitment to this orchestra is priceless.

Candice Turner-Smith, Managing Director

Report from Managing Director

“The Niagara Symphony is a critical symbol of the region’s health - not just culturally, but socially and economically. If this Region is to grow and flourish, and position itself in the future, it must project a social environment that reflects its commitment to increase prosperity.”

Dr. Jack Lightstone, President, Brock University

Music Educationat the NSO 2013/2014

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There is no expectation that children exploring symphonic music through NSO concerts and education programmes will become professional musicians. What can be confidently anticipated is that their lives will be substantially enriched, they will grow in confidence, and that music will enhance their social, emotional and intellectual health. The NSO offers an inspiring variety of options for children and young adults: Summer Music Camp; Composer in the Classroom; The Academy @ SMC; the NSO Youth Club; PSSTnso and eyeGO, affordable concert pricing; the Family Series Concerts and Spotlight On!.

This summer, 285 children from 197 families came from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Oklahoma, California and across the Niagara Region to attend Summer Music Camp. New instruments such as Harpsicles, traditional orchestral choices and innovative Early Years classes provide unparalleled experiences for youngsters aged 18 months to 15 years. Advanced students of music study theory and receive rigorous coaching at The Academy @ SMC. The NSO’s only in-school programme, Composer in the Classroom, guides students to create their own compositions then proudly attend a performance of their works by NSO musicians.

Generous sponsors, gifted musicians and dedicated educators combine to create a vibrant music education programme at the NSO, an essential pillar of the Orchestra’s contribution to the Niagara Region.

The Niagara Symphony thanks donors to Summer Music Camp 2014 and the Bursary Fund:

Virginia Atkin & Keith AmbachtsheerSusan Baker & Jim StangierNeil BarclayBeatties BasicsLisa BengerShelia BengerChristopher & Colleen BlakeKrista & Todd BulitzElaine Calder & Bill BennettCanadian Federation of University Women, St. CatharinesLinda Chang & Cam ClaytonPaul & Irene ChumakPeter & Adriana CliffordMargaret CombeJulia CourseNancy & Douglas CourtRick & Kathy DykstraElizabeth InteriorsJayne & Richard EvansHeelis Little & Almas LLP

Robert & Jo HendersonSheila HillLeslie HorvathRichard JuritschEllen Karp & Bill JohnstonEdward & Hanna KiddKinsmen Club of Fonthill and DistrictKiwanis Club Of St. CatharinesDr. Joseph & Yvette KushnerJamie & Kathryn LalandeDr. Lorne Martin &Dr. Cynthia BlairMay Court Club of St. CatharinesSally McGarr & Dale PetrieSally & Nick MillerAlex & Lee MoschellaGary & Sarah NadalinChristopher NewtonNiagara Community Foundation (Sun Media Fund)Brian & Paddy Parr

Peter & Betsy PartingtonRon & Jill PlancheDan & Janice RasetaFiona ReidJoe & Anita RobertsonJoy RogersKaren Rose & Angus OrfordDave & Tina SchulzDonna Scott OC & Hugh FarrellDr. Howard & Marlene SlepkovGraeme SomervilleJacqueline Strecansky &Peter KoziarzMarilyn and John ThomasMartin van Zon & Lee ZhangHarriet “Sis” Bunting WeldWelland Optimist ClubMargaret Wente & Ian McLeodBarbara Worthy

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The condensed financial information below is from the audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2014. For the 2013-14 year we budgeted for a small surplus, and we have met our objective. For 2014-15 we have again budgeted for a surplus. Our long-term aim remains the reduction of our accumulated deficit. My sincere thanks to my fellow Finance Committee members. They are an awesome group with which to work. Malcolm SmithTreasurer

BASIS OF PRESENTATIONThe accompanying condensed financial statements represent an extract from the annual financial statements of The Niagara Symphony Association for the year ended July 31. A complete set of financial statements, together with the report of our auditors Grant Thornton is available on request from the Office Manager, The Niagara Symphony Association 101 King Street, St Catharines Ontario L2R 3H6

Treasurer’s Report

“Niagara Symphony Orchestra is integrally woven into the fabric of Niagara’s rich cultural mosaic - we are blessed to have a symphony of such high calibre. I join everyone in the excitement of their move to the New Performing Arts Centre which will attract more and more music lovers to experience the joys of this great symphony.”

Dr. Dan Patterson, President, Niagara College

Niagara Symphony Association Financial Overview 2013/2014Condensed Audited Financial Statements * Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2014

Statement of Financial PositionASSETS 2014 2013Cash/Short Term Assets $    71,562 $    80,781Restricted Cash 6,574 10,924Capital Assets 210,668 204,690TOTAL ASSETS $    288,804 $    296,395

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETSBank indebtedness $    9,131 $    68,808Accounts Payable/accrued liabilities 63,415 104,264Deferred Revenue 208,349 118,584Directors' loans 118,000 115,000Total Liabilities $    398,895 $    406,656

Instrument Endowment Fund $    6,574 $    10,924Net assets invested in capital 210,668 204,690unrestricted net deficiency (327,333) (325,875)Total Net Assets (deficiency) $    (110,091) $    (110,261)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $    288,804 $    296,395

Statement of Revenues and Expenses

REVENUE 2014 2013Earned Revenue $    180,489 $    223,340Education 119,909 100,512Corporate Sponsorships 83,305 62,284Fundraising 252,768 195,259Government 123,196 162,229TOTAL REVENUE $    759,667 $    743,624

EXPENSESProduction $    328,618 $    340,271Audience Services 42,277 39,711Education 109,641 92,351Marketing  50,065 39,023Fundraising 70,296 78,762Administration 158,600 141,784TOTAL EXPENSES $    759,497 $    731,902

NET INCOME Before Restructuring Costs 170 11,722Restructuring Costs  ‐ 37,905EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $    170 $    (26,183)

Thank You to Our Donors

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DIAMOND ($10,000+)Virginia Atkin & Keith AmbachtsheerWilliam & Anne FinleyJanet & Peter Partridge

PLATINUM ELITE ($5,000-$9,999)

Dr. Joseph & Yvette KushnerDr. Howard & Marlene SlepkovMalcolm & Kay Smith

GOLD ($1,000-$2,499)Joyce Shirley AutyTerry & Cathy BoakRobin GuardVicki & Patrick LittleAlan Marcus & Gail NagleyHelen MillerChristopher NewtonPeter W. Partridge & Poppy Gilliam

SILVER ($500-$999)Judy ArmstrongCarol BellMonique CharetteMargaret CombeKen & Ginny DouglasAlan & Susan DyerRobert & Jo HendersonBeryl KeaisKathleen D. LangloisDr. Elizabeth Oliver MaloneTamara MietinsDr. Robert & Shirley OlleyJohn RipleyLester & Jean TaylorDaniella RousalBradley ThachukCandice Turner-Smith

BRONZE ($100-$499)Jack & Verna AglerDenise & Stephen ArcherKeith & Mary ArdronMarion & Dick BallingerDouglas BatesDavid & Marlene BathLarry & Susan BearssEvelyn BergenGrace BevanJim BradleyCharles & Jane BurkeMargaret CavenLinda Chang & Cam ClaytonAmrom & Linda ChodosCarl & Elizabeth ChristensenKevin & Rebecca ClarkNancy & Douglas CourtMonique DeJongheKarin Di BellaEleanor DidemusAnna DifilippoChelsea Dominguez-SmithBruce & Laurie DrewittJim & Jane DundasColin & Madeleine DuqueminHarry & Ingrid EdmonstoneAnnie EnnsPeter & Amalie EnnsRichard & Jayne EvansMargaret FergusonMarion GayderMartin & Brenda GibsonDavid & Judy GittingsJ. Stuart GlassMaurice & Marilyn GommeFred & Alice HabermehlRobert & Thelma Halfyard

Doran & Judy HallettHemantha & Teju HerathJacob & Katherine HildebrandJames & Kate HousleyWilliam & Mary HoustonElizabeth & Peter HowesJohn & Irene InglisSharilyn IngramMargaret JacksonPeter & Erika JanzenAnja JokelaDouglas & Mary JunkeRichard JuritschJana KatzIvan & Susan KellyDavid KennedyJames LeeJosh & Margaret LevineLi XiaolingSarah LynchHelen MacDonaldIrene M. & Gordon MacGregorDoris MannWilliam A. MathesonAnne McAllister & Gerald LambIan McEwanGordon McKindseyChristine McLeanJames & Margaret MillerJacquelyn MorganDavid MuirVictoria OldsElinor O’NeillSylvie-Ring PetersonLes & Rosemary PhillisRoss & Barbara RansomJulie RantiJohn & Karen Reynolds

“The Niagara Symphony Orchestra is one of our community’s entertainment jewels. When I’m in Niagara, I try to attend as many performances as I can. In my opinion, the professionalism of the musicians under the direction of Bradley Thachuk is second to none.”

Rick Dykstra, MP St. Catharines

{ page 7 }We are very grateful for the generosity of our Corporate and Individual Community, as well as the support we receive from multiple levels of government to help us achieve financial stability, keep our ticket prices affordable, and delight the Niagara region with our music. We are thrilled with the ongoing support from all of these sources of funding – as well as our Gala supporters - a sign that there is indeed a priority for music in our community. We Thank You All.

BRONZE { continued }Donna M. RobertsonFrank & Aimee RogerGabriela Ruiz-RodriguezEleanor RyczakRobert & Mary SmithHarry & Evanne SnowdenWilliam & Lorraine SteinmanMarilyn StewartMildred StobartRoberta M. StyranStan ThimmLaura ThomasAlison ThomsonDoris ToeppBrita Van RiesenKaren WhitworthRobert Young & Jill GoebelBrenda Zadoroznij

IN MEMORY OFShirley EsteyJudity HydeKaren PullanoNancy Young

2013/2014 CORPORATE SPONSORSBrock University/Centre for the ArtsCanadian Tire Financial ServicesCogecoTVEz Rock 105.7/Newstalk 610 cktbFallsview Casino ResortGrant ThorntonInterkom

Jackson-Triggs WineryJanet & Peter PartridgeMeridianNiagara This WeekPerformance LexusPerformance Mercedez-BenzRBC Royal BankRBC Wealth ManagementScotiabankSilversmith Brewing CompanySun MediaThe New Performing Arts CentreTV CogecoWalker Industries

2013/2014 GOVERNMENT SUPPORTCity of St. CatharinesCanada Council for the ArtsOntario Arts Council

2013/2014 CORPORATE & FOUNDATION DONATIONS13th Street WineryBurtnik PrintingArt & Val Fleming FundDMB GlassFour Points SheratonHenry of Pelham WineryMarilyn & Norris Walker FundMarion Cross FoundationNiagara Community FoundationOntario Paper Thorold FoundationOntario Power Generation

MAKING OUR MOVEWe thank the following people who have pledged their support for our Making Our Move Fundraising Campaign. To date we have received a total of $213,000 towards our goal of securing $400,000 in pledges/donations (between March 2014 and July 2016).

BENEFACTOR $50,000+Virginia Atkin & Keith AmbachtsheerJanet & Peter Partridge

PATRON $15,000-$29,999Dr. Joseph & Yvette Kushner

SUPPORTER $7,500 - $14,000William & Anne FinleyDr. Howard & Marlene SlepkovMalcolm & Kay Smith

FRIEND $1,500-$7,499Terry & Cathy BoakRobin GuardVicki & Patrick LittlePeter W. Partridge & Poppy GilliamMonique CharetteAlan & Susan DyerDaniella RousalBradley ThachukCandice Turner-Smith

* FOR A FULL LISTING OF OUR GALA AUCTION SUPPORTERS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

“I have had the pleasure of being transcended to another place and time through the music of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra. As integral members of our cultural community, I wish you every success as you prepare to take the stage at the St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre in 2015.”

Brian McMullan, Mayor of St. Catharines

Board of Directors{

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EXECUTIVEPresident Dr. Howard SlepkovVice President & Fundraising Chair Virginia AtkinTreasurer Malcolm SmithSecretary Jayne Evans

MEMBERS AT LARGEDr. Terry Boak, Professor Emeritus, Brock University Monique Charette, Human Resources Management CommitteeRobin Guard, Education Committee ChairDr. Joseph Kushner, Alderman, City of St. CatharinesPatrick Little, Nominating & Board Development ChairRoseanne MorissetteChristopher Newton, CMDaniella RousalDr. Karin di Bella, Brock LiaisonMark Russom, Players Committee Chair

Sibyl Bergenstein, Jo Henderson, Honorary Patrons

We are very grateful to the Board of Directors and the numerous volunteers who give their time in support of the NSO.

ADMINISTRATION STAFFManaging Director Candice Turner-SmithDatabase Manager Sarah LynchEducation & Communications Manager B.J. ArmstrongOffice Manager Deborah-Marie ForresterAccountant Alan Dyer

ARTISTIC STAFFMusic Director Bradley ThachukAssociate Conductor Laura ThomasLibrarian Alison ThomsonOperations Manager William Chambers

“The NSO provides first class musical entertainment for those of us who are fortunate enough to attend their concerts and enhances the quality of life for Niagara residents.”

Hon. Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines

FLUTEDoug Miller - P

Patricia DydnanskyFlute/PiccoloJulia Morley

OBOEKaren Ages

CLARINETZoltan Kalman - P

Amrom ChodosBASSOON

Michael MacCaulyKrista Wodelet

FRENCH HORNAustin Hitchock - P

Janice FralickIris Krizmanic

Curtis Vander-HydenTRUMPET

Ira Zingraff - PAndrew Bearcroft

TROMBONESteve Fralick - P

Dave SislerBASS TROMBONE

James ZimmermanTUBA

Brent Adams - PTYMPANI

Laura Thomas - PPERCUSSIONMichael Phelan

Julian JeunHARP

Deborah Braun - PVIOLIN 1

Valerie Sylvester - P, ConcertmasterXiaoling Li, Assoc. Concertmaster

Dianne HumannWilliam Chambers

Michael van DongenGail Poulsen

Natalie WongKatherine Unrau

VIOLIN 2Charlene Nagel - P

Mary Beth DohertyErika JanzenDavid Braun

Jadwiga PomorskiVera Alekseeva

VIOLAMarlene Dankiw-Bath - P

Andrée SimardTerry Ball

Phyllis DankiwPierre Gagnon

CELLOGordon Cleland - P

Sandra BohnMark Russom

Jonathan TortolanoBASS

Brian Baty - PNeal EvansFil Stasiak

- P denotes Principal

Uri Mayer, Conductor EmeritusRon Richards, Artist Laureate

Jack Silverstein, Deryck Aird : Artists in Memoriam

2013/2014 Nso

Musicians