Donor Stories
JANET STEWART
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.
When I arrived in London in 1969 as a young lawyer, one of the first things I did was purchase tickets for the orchestra concerts. I have donated to London Symphonia and its predecessors for many years.
During my tenure on the Ontario Arts Council I was pleased to see that London Symphonia was accepted as a recipient of OAC funds. This validates the hard work of volunteers to establish London Symphonia and the talent of the musicians of the Symphonia.
We should all be grateful to London Symphonia for the artistic contribution it makes to our community. In my biased opinion there is nothing more satisfying than having live classical music available to us.
SUSAN AGRANOVE
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.”
There is so much gratification in a live performance. At various times I experience excitement, sadness, joy, glee, annoyance, rage, pleasure, gaiety, anger. Whether one is challenged or consoled by the music it is interesting to contemplate that you are experiencing something unique. This exact performance will never be heard again by anybody, anywhere.
London Symphonia and its musicians add much to our life as a community. In addition to the variety of music that the organization provides in many venues throughout the city, its members are teachers, coaches and champions of the budding musicians in our community. Grants from three levels of Government and ticket sales provide limited support but donations help bring special musical experiences to a broader cross section of the London community.
At an orchestra’s heart are its professional musicians. Together with a volunteer Board of Directors, a small administrative staff, and a group of dedicated volunteers London Symphonia delivers a rich, artistic product that more than meets our community’s need for high quality orchestral music. London Symphonia has built a firm foundation that now needs to grow with ongoing support from music lovers like us.
Please join me in giving a generous donation to London Symphonia.
AILENE WITTSTEIN
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. Our tickets were in the last row so during the first years of attending, I would stand if I got tired sitting. The seats were right in the centre so I could see all the musicians and especially the back of the conductor! For the first night of Chanukah each year I received money. My parents used to call this money "a gift to use to make the world better." I was to give it all away by the last night of Chanukah.
After that first year, I remember always giving some of the money to the Pittsburgh Symphony. Even at six years old I thought that the Pittsburgh Symphony made everyone happy and that made the world better. As they say old habits are hard to break and through the years I have come to strongly believe that there is no better place to give than to the Arts to help make this a better world. I have a t-shirt that says “Hear the passion - Feel the wonder - Celebrate your Orchestra”. Please join me in making the world a little bit better by donating to London Symphonia today!
ANNE & GARTH KIDD
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. We are fortunate to have London Symphonia continuing the long tradition of orchestral music in this city.
JOAN & MICHAEL BANCROFT
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. We are extremely aware of the great talent and dedication of the symphony and soloists, and it is a priority for us to strongly support this talent and outstanding performances in London.
ELIZABETH KYMLICKA
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.
ELIZABETH PARMETER & WILLIAM HORNE
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
JOHN BLAIR
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. I feel blessed that there is a professional orchestra right here in the London community and gladly subscribe to the series of concerts that they offer.
The prime reason I donate to London Symphonia is because it is my local professional orchestra. Being a board member has also opened my eyes to the amount of effort it takes to operate an orchestra and how much its survival depends on fundraising, whether it’s from government grants, foundations, corporate sponsors, or last but not least, individual donors. Another reason that I donate is to ensure that the Symphonia will thrive and will continue to perform so that we can enjoy the amazing talent of the musicians who are part of it. I would like to be in a position to donate even more than I do.
C.R. CHARLTON
“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.
Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work! ...Your faith in the future, and in your customers/donors is wonderful - carry on!”
VIRGINIA HANNAY
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.
ANONYMOUS
“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.
And with this donation so big
And so kind
That orchestra's troubles were
Far behind
Its beautiful music went
On as before
And the generous donor did
Always give more.
Sometimes you start responding to bad news with deep disappointment, and then move on to wondering what to do next. Usually money can help in some way. Applied with wisdom and energy, money has resurrected and reconstructed London's orchestra. To nurture it, as always, money can help. I certainly will.” --Anon