Niagara Symphony 2015/2016 Annual Report

niagara symphony orchestra bradley thachuk music director

2015/2016 season annual report

2015/2016 season sponsor

Music Director’s Message The 2015/ 16 season was pivotal in the history of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra both artistically and organizationally. The long-awaited opening of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre had been a signpost we looked towards to guide many of our activities and plans.

It was easily the most ambitious season in the history of the orchestra, with many successes to reflect upon. As befitting a world-class performance venue, the level of guest artists gracing our stages increased dramatically. The presence of our first ever Artist-in-Residence, Stewart Goodyear, was intrinsic to 2015/16. In addition to his artistry and winning nature, he brought coherence and an extra level of stability to an orchestra finding its way in a new chapter. All 4 programs he appeared on, in both the performance venues, were woven throughout the season starting with the first concert and ending with the last, and were unequivocally highlights. Acclaimed artists on both the Masterworks and Pops series such as James Ehnes, Erin Wall, and the Classical Mystery Tour sent a clear message to Niagara and the Canadian orchestra community that the Niagara Symphony had come of age. Numerous contemporary works (including a world premiere), and a performance of Hans Rott’s Symphony clearly signaled that the audience and its community were not only adventurous in their tastes, they trusted the leadership of the NSO, responding with record ticket sales.

Confronted with the growing pains of a new venue, and augmented with extra players to make up an orchestra suited for the larger venue and repertoire, the orchestra reacted accordingly and raised themselves to the next level. Even with lighting, heating, and rehearsal venue problems to contend with, the orchestra and the staff rose to the occasion, ensuring that by any measure this was the best the orchestra had ever played in their history. During the course of the season, we also found a new friend to join our artistic team in Aisslinn Nosky, who will make NSO history as our first ever principal guest conductor, bringing a wide array of repertoire and experience to the fold.

Thank you everyone‌ orchestra, staff, board, patrons, donors, and friends for making 2015/16 the season we will never forget. It was truly something special.

Submitted respectfully,

Bradley Thachuk Music Director

Message from Christopher Newton “All arts organizations are based in dreams. In this there is no distinction between the Vienna Philharmonic and Carousel Players. They both have at heart a dream of excellence in execution and, most importantly, a dream of revelation and invention in content. It is in this revelation and invention that art is to be found.

Art is profoundly practical because it helps us to determine what is worthwhile in our society. Unless we have a benchmark it is impossible to judge the quality of any experience. On a very simple level is it pleasurable to walk down this street?

Is it beautiful? Is it exciting? Will it be attractive to the public? Art — particularly music — abstracts these sensations and gives us both a potential touchstone and a way of looking at the world.

I have served on the Board of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra for a decade. I have gone through every emotion while watching and listening to the orchestra from despair to elation and I have held on to the dream that has motivated all of us — the musicians and their supporters alike — a desire that the players be finer in execution and more profound in revelation. I leave the Board at the moment when the orchestra is confidently coming into its own as one of the great institutions of Niagara. The NSO, like Brock, like Niagara College, like our Art Galleries and Theatres, like our wine makers — for making wine is one of the oldest arts — provides solace and exhilaration. The NSO brings its supporters together and encourages us to look around and imagine how much better we could be.

And the musicians of the orchestra have their own particular dream — to be the best regional orchestra in the Province. My decade as part of this quest, this search, this exhilarating experience, has made me a better citizen and a better observer of our community. That’s what art does. That’s what our orchestra will continue to do in the years ahead.”

Christopher Newton, CM Artistic Liaison

2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 1

Report from the Board of Directors This is a “good news” message. But every little while, there is unfortunate news about arts organizations or venues in financial trouble; it can be very disheartening. However, when such reports are examined carefully, knowledge gained can be a positive influence, helping to avert a similar occurrence here.

In brief, it is my considered opinion that struggling organizations may have lost sight of who and what they are, and the work needed to keep the ship afloat.

At the NSO, we have made a conscientious effort over the past several seasons to put in place procedures and personnel to contribute to our long range sustainability. For example, administration, through the leadership of Candice Turner-Smith, is comprised of a friendly, capable and inviting team. Enter our offices and you will see doors open, colleagues sharing information and ideas about work in progress, whether a fund-raiser, a grant application or preparation for another concert. At a rehearsal, you would see musicians striving for that perfect interpretation and sound so our audience leaves each and every concert wanting more - all led by our dedicated Music Director, Bradley Thachuk. Attend any board meeting, and you would see a dedicated group of volunteers working through a thoughtful agenda covering all the matters that need to be dealt with, not the least of which is the all-important fund-raising that helps to keep our doors open.

Reflecting on my early years with this organization and its board, the comparison is stark indeed. Now, I can happily report the news about the NSO is very positive.

The board, staff and musicians are doing everything necessary to ensure that splendid music continues to be heard by a new generation of concert-goers in a hall that is worthy of the music our symphony creates. That’s what team work is all about – commitment, organization and attendance to detail among a group of people who depend upon each other to reach their goals. Goals we set on your behalf and are proud to deliver.

Dr. Howard Slepkov Chair, Niagara Symphony

PAGE 2 | 2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Report from the Executive Director A Season of Firsts!

The Niagara Symphony Orchestra invited Toronto Star music & dance reviewer, William Littler, to the November 29, 2015 concert featuring virtuoso violinist James Ehnes, and the NSO’s first-ever Masterworks appearance in Partridge Hall. A few of his observations follow.

“Our orchestra has a home at last,” announced Christopher Newton to a burst of applause from an enthusiastic late November audience in Partridge Hall in the ‘spanking new’ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. With 789 seats, a warmly inviting interior and splendid acoustics, the hall impressed the concert’s high-profile guest artist, violinist James Ehnes, who observed, “I’ve seen what happens to a city when something like this comes to life.” Littler wrote.

The NSO’s much-anticipated 2015/16 concert season showcased the orchestra as never before in two splendid new concert venues, featuring glorious repertoire and world class guest artists: James Ehnes; baroque specialist Aisslinn Nosky; Artist-In-Residence and composer/pianist Stewart Goodyear and soprano Erin Wall. The masterworks season ended in a sold-out choral extravaganza, featuring a world premiere, with Chorus Niagara and four soloists performing two choral masterpieces by Beethoven: his Choral Fantasy and the stirring Symphony no.

9. And how can we forget Stewart Goodyear, featured in the classic Gershwin favorite, Rhapsody in Blue!

As we continue to forge new relationships in the corporate world, the NSO announced its Multi-Year Season Sponsor, CIBC, who committed $50,000 a year for three years to support the NSO’s concert seasons. Many thanks to NSO ambassadors and renowned philanthropists, Carol and David Appel.

The NSO also gave birth to its first-ever Donor Wall unveiled in April 2016.

The Making Our Move multi-year major gifts campaign met its 3-year goal to raise $400,000 thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the NSO Board of Directors and a growing group of committed patrons. The donor wall is featured prominently in the main lobby of the centre. We extend our profound thanks to co-chairs Virginia Atkin and Carol Appel for making this campaign a tremendous success.

Mayor Walter Sendzik wrote, “The opening of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is the realization of a dream for so many in our community. This unique centre will forever change the face of downtown St. Catharines, serving as a catalyst for growth and expansion of new businesses and fostering a vibrant arts and cultural sector.”

This season was categorically a year of firsts! • $1M operating budget • 9,000 attendees • $8,488 year-end surplus • 1,800 students taking part in education programs • 420 subscribers (up 60%!) • 30 guest artists • 5 community performances • 1 majestic Gala at Ridley College and • a season that celebrated our arrival in the downtown core.

“Newton was surely right in asserting that the Niagara Symphony has finally found its home.” Littler concluded.

Candice Turner-Smith executive director 2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 3

Music Education at the NSO 2015/2016 “So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it.”

— Aaron Copland

The NSO’s education initiatives are founded on the passionately-held belief that experiencing the arts enriches our lives. That is especially true for children; our programming is informed by the conviction that classical concerts can be fun, and that everyone can make or enjoy music!

The NSO has developed education initiatives specifically designed for children at all ages and stages. In the 2015/16 season, Summer Music Camp welcomed 285 campers, including 11 international students through our partnership with Ridley College. More than 1100 students in local schools followed the Time Travel Trio on a fascinating trip through 400 years of musical styles. Our Youth Club members attended concerts, met guest soloists and participated in workshops. Through preferential pricing for university/college students, high school students and children, hundreds of young people joined the NSO to experience glorious music in our extraordinary new concert venues. None of this would be possible without generous sponsors and donors who support stimulating music education. With their help, the NSO forges connections between committed musicians and music educators and the youth of Niagara.

The Niagara Symphony Orchestra is deeply grateful to our Education Sponsors, Summer Music Camp Sponsors, and donors to the SMC 2016 Bursary and Operations Funds. Their generosity inspires us all: Ridley College, SMC 2016 Partner Meridian Credit Union, SMC 2016 Special Needs Education Sponsor Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation, Education Sponsor Rittenhouse, Academy @ SMC Sponsor Ontario Power Generation, NSO Youth Club Sponsor Canadian Tire Financial, Recital Rap Sponsor

SMC 2016 Bursary Donors:

SMC 2016 Operations Donors

Susan Baker

Susan Baker

Canadian Federation of University Women, St. Catharines

Margaret Combe

Carla Chambers Linda Chang Margaret Combe Tom Drynan Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District Lisa Linders Lions Club of Fort Erie May Court Club of St. Catharines Niagara Community Foundation Optimist Club of Welland Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Lily Shennan Jim Stangier The Bridge Group, in memory of Kathryn Shea

PAGE 4 | 2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Marco Medeiros Wendy Moyer Beatrice Ombuki-Berman St. Catharines Kiwanis Club

Report from the Treasurer Once again it is a pleasure to report that the Symphony has ended the fiscal year 2015/16 in positive territory in this transitional year. We are very grateful to our many patrons and financial supporters. We are especially pleased to see our accumulated deficit reduced. We shall continue to strive to eliminate this deficit in a timely manner.

My sincere thanks to the members of the Finance Committee — Virginia Atkin, Candice Turner-Smith and Alan Dyer — for their dedicated service. Virginia is leaving the committee after five years. Virginia, your wise counsel Treasurer's Report Treasurer's Treasurer's RReport eport will be missed.

Treasurer's Report Treasurer's Treasurer's RReport eport

Malcolm D. Smith Treasurer BASIS OF PRESENTATION BASIS BASIS OOF F PPRESENTATION RESENTATION BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying condensed financial statements represent an extract from the annual financial statements of The Niagara Symphony Association BASIS BASIS OOF F PPRESENTATION RESENTATION

The The aaccompanying ccompanying ccondensed ondensed ffinancial inancial sstatements tatements rrepresent epresent aan n eextract xtract ffrom rom tthe he aannual nnual ffinancial inancial sstatements tatements oof f TThe he NNiagara iagara SSymphony ymphony AAssociation ssociation for tahe year ended Jculy 31. A complete of financial statements, together with report of our satatements uditors Grant hornton is Saymphony vailable oA n ssociation request The ccompanying ondensed financial sset tatements represent an extract from the tahe nnual financial of TThe Niagara

The aaccompanying ccompanying condensed financial financial statements statements represent an erepresent xtract from the annual financial statements of The Niagara Sstatements ymphony Association The an extract the annual financial of The Niagara Symphony for for ttahe yyear ear eended nded JcJculy uly 33condensed 1.

1. AA c complete sset et oof f ffinancial inancial sstatements, tatements, txtract together ogether wwith ttahe rreport eport oofrom f f oour ur sastatements auditors uditors GGrant rant The hornton hornton is is SaSymphony available vailable ooA n A n ssociation rssociation request equest The The ahe ccompanying ondensed ondensed fomplete financial inancial statements tatements represent epresent n eSextract ffrom rom tith the he ahe nnual nnual fO financial inancial tatements oof f TThe NNiagara iagara ymphony from tccompanying he The Niagara Symphony Association ffice art 1s1 Bond aSan t, uite 207, St ith C atharines ntario 4Z4. Grant for the year ended July 31. A complete set of ofinancial tatements, together w the report of our La2R uditors Thornton is available on request Association for the year ended Aaacomplete set of2207, financial statements, together with the report of oour auditors Grant Thornton is from from tthe he TThe he Nnded N iagara iagara SSymphony AAssociation ssociation ffice ffice t t 1s11 1 BBond ond SSt, t, SSuite 07, w Sw St ith t ith CCatharines atharines OOntario 2R 44Z4.

Z4. GGrant for for tthe he yyear ear eended JJuly uly 3ymphony 31.

1. AA c complete omplete sJuly set et oof f o31. fofinancial inancial statements, tatements, tuite together ogether tthe he rreport eport ontario of f oour ur LaL2R auditors uditors rant TThornton hornton is is aavailable vailable on n rrequest equest from the The Niagara Symphony Association office at 11 Bond St, Suite 207, St Catharines Ontario L2R 4Z4. available on request from the Niagara office at 11 Bond Suite 207, St Catharines Ontario L2R 4Z4. from from tthe he STThe he NN iagara iagara A SSymphony ymphony AAssociation ssociation oo ffice aaSymphony t t 111 1 B2Bond ond SSt, t, SAssociation Suite uite 2207, 07, SSt t CCatharines atharines OOntario ntario LL2R 2R 4St, 4Z4.

Z4.

Niagara ymphony ssociation FThe inancial Office verview 015/2016 Niagara Niagara SSymphony ymphony Association ssociation FFinancial inancial O Overview verview 22015/2016 015/2016 Condensed Audited FA Statements or the Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2016 Niagara Symphony Ainancial ssociation Financial fO verview 2015/2016 Condensed Condensed AAudited udited FAFAinancial inancial SStatements tatements for or tthe he FFiscal iscal YYears ears EEnded nded JJuly uly 331, 1, 22016 016 Niagara Niagara SSymphony ymphony ssociation ssociation FFinancial inancial fO O verview verview 22015/2016 015/2016 Condensed Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2016 Condensed Condensed oAAf udited udited FFinancial inancial SStatements tatements ffor or tthe he FFiscal iscal YYears ears EEnded nded JJuly uly 331, 1, 22016 016 Statement Financial Position Statement Statement oof f FFinancial inancial PPosition osition ASSETS 2016 2015 2014 Statement of Financial Position ASSETS ASSETS 2016 2016 2015 2015 2014 2014 Statement Statement oo f FFinancial inancial osition Cash/Short Tf erm AssetsPPosition $ 168,701 $ 91,984 $ 73,278 ASSETS 2016 2015 2014 Cash/Short Cash/Short Term erm AAssets ssets 168,701 68,701 $ $ 9 91,984 1,984 $ $ 7 73,278 3,278 ASSETS ASSETS CTash 2016 2016 2015 2015 2014 2014 Restricted $ $ 1 4,268 5,633 6,574 Cash/Short Term Assets $ 1 68,701 $ 91,984 $ 73,278 Restricted Restricted CCTash $ $ 1 1 68,701 4,268 68,701 4,268 5,633 5,633 6,574 6,574 Cash/Short Cash/Short Tash erm erm AAssets ssets $ $ 213,638 9 91,984 1,984 $ $ 210,669 7 73,278 3,278 Capital Assets Restricted Cash 294,427 4,268 5,633 6,574 Capital Capital AAssets ssets 294,427 213,638 213,638 210,669 Restricted Restricted CCash ash $ 294,427 4,268 5,633 6,574 4,268 5,633 $ 210,669 6,574 TOTAL AASSETS 4 67,396 $ 213,638 311,255 290,520 Capital ssets 294,427 210,669 TOTAL TOTAL AAASSETS SSETS 294,427 4 467,396 67,396 $ $ 213,638 3 213,638 311,255 11,255 $ $ 210,669 2 210,669 290,520 90,520 Capital ssets $ $ 294,427 Capital ssets TOTAL ASSETS $ 467,396 $ 311,255 $ 290,520 TOTAL $ $ 4 467,396 TOTAL AASSETS SSETS 67,396 $ $ 3 311,255 11,255 $ $ 2 290,520 90,520 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES LIABILITIES AAND ND NNET ET AASSETS SSETS Bank indebtedness $ 118,867 $ 133,496 $ 9,131 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Bank Bank indebtedness indebtedness $ $ 1 118,867 18,867 $ $ 1 189,770 33,496 33,496 $ $ 9 9,131 ,131 LIABILITIES ND NNET ET AASSETS SSETS LIABILITIES AAND Accounts Payable/accrued liabilities Bank indebtedness $ 163,207 18,867 $ 133,496 $ 65,131 9,131 Accounts Accounts PPevenue ayable/accrued ayable/accrued liabilities liabilities 63,207 89,770 Bank indebtedness 18,867 $ $ 176,339 33,496 ,131 Bank indebtedness $ $ 285,786 1 163,207 18,867 1 189,770 33,496 $ $ 65,131 65,131 9 9,131 Deferred RP 208,349 Accounts ayable/accrued liabilities 63,207 89,770 65,131 Deferred Deferred RPR evenue 285,786 285,786 176,339 176,339 208,349 208,349 Accounts Pevenue ayable/accrued liabilities liabilities 63,207 89,770 65,131 Accounts ayable/accrued 63,207 89,770 65,131 Directors' oans 50,000 20,000 118,000 Deferred Rlevenue 285,786 176,339 208,349 Directors' Directors' levenue oans levenue oans 50,000 50,000 $ 176,339 20,000 20,000 $ 208,349 118,000 118,000 Deferred Deferred RR Total Liabilities $ 285,786 5285,786 17,860 4176,339 19,605 4208,349 00,611 Directors' loans 50,000 20,000 118,000 Total Total LLiabilities iabilities $ $ 5 550,000 17,860 17,860 $ $ 4 420,000 19,605 19,605 $ $ 118,000 4 118,000 400,611 00,611 Directors' loans 50,000 20,000 Directors' loans Total Liabilities $ 517,860 $ 419,605 $ 400,611 Total LLiabilities iabilities 17,860 $ $ 4 419,605 19,605 $ $ 4 400,611 00,611 Total $ $ 5 517,860 Instrument Endowment Fund $ 5,227 $ 5,633 $ 6,574 Instrument Instrument EEndowment FFund und $ $ 5 5,227 ,227 $ $ 5 5,633 ,633 $ $ 6 6,574 ,574 Unrestricted Nndowment et Deficiency $ (55,692) (113,983) (116,665) Instrument Endowment Fund 5,227 $ 5,633 $ 6,574 Unrestricted Unrestricted N N et et D D eficiency eficiency

(55,692)

(55,692) (113,983) (113,983) (116,665) (116,665) Instrument E ndowment F und $

5 ,227 $

5 ,633 $ 6 6,574 ,574 Instrument E ndowment F und $

5 ,227 $

5 ,633 $ Total Net Assets deficiency) 50,465) $ ((113,983) 108,350) $ ((116,665) 110,091) Unrestricted Net (D eficiency $ ((55,692) Total Total NNet et AAssets ssets (deficiency) deficiency) ((55,692) 50,465) 50,465) $ $ ((113,983) ((113,983) 108,350) 108,350) $ $ ((116,665) ((116,665) 110,091) 110,091) Unrestricted et (D D eficiency Unrestricted NNet eficiency $ $ ((55,692) Total Net Assets (deficiency) $ (50,465) $ (108,350) $ (110,091) Total NNet et AAssets ssets ((deficiency) deficiency) 50,465) $ $ ( (108,350) 108,350) $ $ ( (110,091) 110,091) Total $ $ ( (50,465) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 467,396 $ 311,255 $ 290,520 TOTAL TOTAL LLIABILITIES IABILITIES AAND ND NNET ET AASSETS SSETS $ $ 4 467,396 67,396 $ $ 3 311,255 11,255 $ $ 2 290,520 90,520 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 467,396 $ 311,255 $ 290,520 TOTAL LLIABILITIES IABILITIES AAND ND NNET ET AASSETS SSETS 67,396 $ $ 3 311,255 11,255 $ $ 2 290,520 90,520 TOTAL $ $ 4 467,396 Statement of Revenues and Expenses Statement Statement oof f RRevenues evenues aand nd EExpenses xpenses Statement of Revenues and Expenses Statement oof f RRevenues evenues aand nd EExpenses xpenses Statement REVENUE 2016 2015 2014 REVENUE REVENUE 2016 2016 $ 229,168 2015 2015 $ 180,489 2014 2014 Earned Revenue $ 295,861 REVENUE 2016 2015 2014 Earned Earned RRevenue evenue 2 295,861 95,861 2 229,168 29,168 1 180,489 80,489 REVENUE REVENUE 2016 2016 $ $ 125,946 2015 2015 $ $ 119,909 2014 2014 Education $ $ 118,276 Earned Revenue $ 295,861 $ 229,168 $ 180,489 Education Education $ $ 118,276 Earned Earned RRevenue evenue 118,276 2 295,861 95,861 $ $ 125,946 2 125,946 229,168 29,168 $ $ 119,909 1 119,909 167,087 80,489 80,489 Corporate Sponsorships 148,432 111,273 Education 118,276 125,946 119,909 Corporate 148,432 111,273 67,087 Corporate ponsorships 148,432 111,273 67,087 Education EducationSSponsorships 118,276 118,276 125,946 125,946 119,909 119,909 Fundraising 453,946 379,006 268,986 Corporate Sponsorships 148,432 111,273 67,087 Fundraising 453,946 379,006 268,986 Fundraising 453,946 379,006 268,986 Corporate Corporate SSponsorships ponsorships 148,432 148,432 111,273 111,273 67,087 67,087 Government 158,541 145,078 123,196 Fundraising 453,946 379,006 268,986 Government 158,541 145,078 123,196 Government 158,541 Fundraising Fundraising $ 453,946 453,946 379,006 268,986 TOTAL REVENUE ,175,056 $ 379,006 9145,078 90,471 $ 268,986 7123,196 59,667 Government 1 158,541 145,078 123,196 TOTAL RREVENUE ,175,056 9 145,078 7 123,196 TOTAL EVENUE ,175,056 $ $ 145,078 990,471 90,471 $ $ 123,196 759,667 59,667 Government Government $ $ 1 1 158,541 158,541 TOTAL REVENUE $ 1,175,056 $ 990,471 $ 759,667 TOTAL TOTAL RREVENUE EVENUE $ $ 1 1,175,056 ,175,056 $ $ 9 990,471 90,471 $ $ 7 759,667 59,667 EXPENSES EXPENSES EXPENSES Production 477,664 $ 361,406 $ 290,319 EXPENSES -­‐ Artistic Production Artistic rtistic 477,664 $ $ 117,530 61,406 $ $ 2 280,576 90,319 Production 477,664 3 361,406 90,319 EXPENSES EXPENSES -­‐-­‐ A Production 182,440 rtistic 477,664 $ 361,406 $ 290,319 Production -­‐-­‐ TAechnical Production -­‐-­‐ TA TAechnical echnical 182,440 80,576 Production 182,440 rtistic rtistic 477,664 477,664 $ $ 117,530 3 117,530 361,406 61,406 $ $ 109,641 2 280,576 90,319 90,319 Education 115,731 126,187 Production -­‐ Technical 182,440 117,530 80,576 Education 115,731 126,187 109,641 Education 115,731 126,187 109,641 Production Production -­‐-­‐ T Technical echnical 182,440 182,440 117,530 117,530 80,576 80,576 Marketing 70,094 56,621 50,065 Education 115,731 126,187 109,641 Marketing 70,094 56,621 50,065 Marketing 70,094 56,621 50,065 Education Education 115,731 115,731 126,187 126,187 109,641 109,641 Fundraising 91,874 87,706 63,871 Marketing 70,094 56,621 50,065 Fundraising 91,874 87,706 63,871 Fundraising 91,874 87,706 63,871 Marketing Marketing 70,094 70,094 56,621 56,621 50,065 50,065 Administration 228,766 239,280 165,025 Fundraising 91,874 87,706 63,871 Administration 228,766 Administration 228,766 Fundraising Fundraising 91,874 91,874 $ 239,280 87,706 87,706 $ 165,025 63,871 63,871 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,166,569 9239,280 88,729 7165,025 59,497 Administration 228,766 239,280 165,025 TOTAL XPENSES ,166,569 988,729 88,729 $ $ 165,025 759,497 59,497 TOTAL EEXPENSES $ $ 1 1,166,569 9 239,280 7 165,025 Administration Administration 228,766 228,766 $ $ 239,280 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,166,569 $ 988,729 $ 759,497 TOTAL TOTAL EEXPENSES XPENSES $ $ 1 1,166,569 ,166,569 $ $ 9 988,729 88,729 $ $ 7 759,497 59,497 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $ 8,488 $ 1,741 $ 170 EXCESS ((DEFICIENCY) DEFICIENCY) OOF F RREVENUE EVENUE OOVER VER EEXPENSES XPENSES ,488 ,741 70 EXCESS $ $ 8 8,488 $ $ 1 1,741 $ $ 1 170 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $ 8,488 $ 1,741 $ 170 EXCESS EXCESS ((DEFICIENCY) DEFICIENCY) OOF F RREVENUE EVENUE OOVER VER EEXPENSES XPENSES $ $ 8 8,488 ,488 $ $ 1 1,741 ,741 $ $ 1 170 70

2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 5

Thank You to our Donors NSO Legacy Society Estate Gifts Felix Henry Voskuilen

Diamond ($10,000+) Carol & David Appel Virginia Atkin & Keith Ambachtsheer Janet & Peter Partridge Norris & Marilyn Walker

Platinum Elite ($5,000-$9,999)

Leanne & David Steiner

Platinum ($2,500-$4,999) Rioux & Faye Cosby Dr. Joseph & Yvette Kushner

Gold ($1,000-$2,499) Scott & Ruth Aspinall Joyce Shirley Auty Susan Baker & Jim Stangier Carol Bell Cathy & Terry Boak Joan & Larry Bourk Lynn Butler Nancy & Douglas Court Patricia Grimes & Richard Cowper

William & Anne Finley Maurice & Marilyn Gomme Fances Hallworth Brent & Chelsey Harasym Jacob & Katherine Hildebrand Lauren & Derek Hundert Eric & Linda Jones Rev. Richard Juritsch Kathleen D. Langlois James Lee & Richard Cameron Cosmo & Gina Menechella Marion J. Mooradian Gary & Sarah Nadalin Daryl Novak & Brian Harrison Dr. Elizabeth Oliver-Malone & the late Dr. Ralph Malone Dr. Robert & Shirley Olley Peter & Betsy Partington Tom Ratkovsky & Rose Tannous Astrid Heyer & Matthew Royal Joan Sisler-Wells Annie Slade Lester & Jean Taylor Bradley Thachuk William & Mary Lou Thachuk Bert & Val Tolhoek Candice Turner-Smith

Robert & Josephine Henderson

Bronze ($100-$499)

Ruedi & Erika Hofer

Anonymous Anne-Marie Applin Denise & Stephen Archer B.J. Armstrong & Michael Robertson Marion & Dick Ballinger Alan & Charlotte Bath David & Marlene Bath Larry & Susan Bearss Evelyn Bergen Sandra Bohn Ineke Brinkman Margaret Caven Bill & Anna Chambers Linda Chang & Cam Clayton Catherine Chayko Carl & Elizabeth Christensen Monique DeJonghe Dr. Karin Di Bella Bruce & Laurie Drewitt Jim & Jane Dundas Colin & Madeleine Duquemin Harry & Ingrid Edmonstone Mark & Wendy Edwards Margaret Ferguson John & Glynnis Fleming Carol Gaspari Marion Gayder

Polly Hogan & Ron Ritchell Eva Klein & Leonard Waverman Klein John & Margaret Krall Barbara Legg Vicki & Patrick Little Christopher Newton, CM Elinor O’Neill Peter W. Partridge & Poppy Gilliam Dr. Nicholas & Mrs. Colleen Pohran Dan & Janice Raseta Joe & Anita Robertson Dr. Howard & Marlene Slepkov Kay & Malcolm Smith Ellie Tesher & Vian Ewart

Silver ($500-$999) Shams Barazi Stephen Bedford & Mari Shantz Sibyl Bergenstein Margaret Combe Charles & Aimee Cook Ken & Ginny Douglas Alan & Susan Dyer Amalie Enns Jayne & Richard Evans

PAGE 6 | 2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Arnold & Marlene Goertzen Janis Green Robin Guard Robert & Thelma Halfyard Gerald Hall Audrey & Richard Harrison Susan Hazell James & Kate Housley William & Mary Houston Elizabeth & Peter Howes Brian & Rosemary Iggulden John & Irene Inglis Margarita Ives Peter & Erika Janzen Andrea Jennings Anja Jokela Douglas & Mary Junke Ivan & Susan Kelly David Kennedy Lana Kukoly Barbara Leslie Josh & Margaret Levine Christopher & Patricia Loat Sarah Lynch Bob & Jacqueline Lytle John Ross MacDonald Ralph & Judy MacDonald Irene MacGregor Shirley Maitland Doris Mann Lois Marsh Steven & Margy Massis Elaine Mayo Sally McGarr Micheline McKay & Richard Comparey Gus & Joan Medina Erin & Michael Mitchell Mel & Anne Norder Stan & Jean Oprendek Tom Paddon & Cathy Nolan Sara Palmieri Jim & Valerie Parke Doreen Peever Thomas Pennacchetti & Anne Weis-Pennacchetti Sylvie-Ring Peterson Nathan Peterson & Marisa Pavan Les & Rosemary Phillis Ross Ransom Julie Ranti Dennis & Helen Ray John & Karen Reynolds Nancy Riley Eleanor Ryczak Grant & Ruth Schappert Rob & Eva Schmidt

Lynne & Ed Silver Sidney Slepkov Harry & Evanne Snowden Barry Sowerby Mac & Linda Sparrow Marilyn Stewart Mildred Stobart Joan Strachan Diane Thompson Robert & Dawn Thompson Robert & Michelle Titus Doris Toepp Dr. William & Theodosia Tytaneck John Van Every Jeffrey Weiner Andrew Weller David & Karen Whitworth Jill Wilks Barry & Karen Wilson Robert Young & Jill Goebel Mark Zammit & Ellen Winters

$50-$99 Rosamund Battye Grant & Evelyn Black Betty Calato Janet Cannon Cathy Davidson Doris Drewett Tom Drynan Ray & Nancy Elder William & Gwyneth Gibbon Joan & Michael Havinga Robert & Nancy Hayden Myra Kennedy Karen MacCabe Carolyn MacKenzie Jacquelyn Morgan Martin & Michelle Myers Victoria Olds Frank & Aimee Roger David & Rose Smith Margaret Stewart Valerie Sylvester Laura Thomas Alison Thomson Evelyn Tipson Brian & Sylvia Walker Beverley Watson

In Memory Of Audrey Curtis The Niagara Symphony Orchestra also wishes to extend our deepest thanks to our anonymous donors.

2015/16 Corporate Sponsors

2016 Gala Corporate Sponsors & Contributors

Canadian Tire Corporation Canadian Tire Financial Services Carol & David Appel Chocolates Etc. CIBC Cogeco Coventry Transportation EZ Rock 105.7 Fallsview Casino Resort Gales Gas Bar Grant Thornton H2Only Heart of Niagara Hotels

Aaron Robillard Bottlegreen / Tree of Life Canada Brett Sherlock Burtnik Printing Ltd. Canadian Food & Wine Institute at Niagara College Cave Spring Cellars Chef Tony de Luca Christie’s Coventry Transportation Fogo Island Inn Heart of Niagara Hotels Helen Burger Jackson-Triggs Janet & Peter Partridge

Meridian Credit Union Newstalk 610 CKTB Ontario Power Generation Performance Lexus Postmedia RBC Ridley College Rittenhouse The Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation TV Cogeco Walker Industries Wise Guys Charity Fund

Corporate & Foundation Donations

Government Support

Art & Val Fleming Fund Canadian Medical Foundation Canadian Tire Financial Services DMB Glass Investors Group Matching Gift Program Lifelong Learning Niagara Marilyn & Norris Walker Fund Niagara College Greenhouse United Way Foundation

Canada Council for the Arts Ontario Arts Council Ontario Trillium Foundation Niagara Region City of St. Catharines

Long & McQuade Malivoire Wine Company New York Philharmonic Niagara College Culinary Students Performance Auto Group Performance Lexus Pioneer Flower Farms Regal Florists Robert Nowell Photography Savoia hors d’oeuvres Inc. Silversmith Spirit Ridge at NK’MP Resort Steinway Piano Gallery Toronto The Exchange Brewery

Making Our Move Donors Benefactor ($50,000+)

Friend ($1,500-$7,499)

Carol & David Appel Virginia Atkin & Keith Ambachtsheer Janet & Peter Partridge Norris & Marilyn Walker

Scott & Ruth Aspinall Joyce Shirley Auty Carol Bell Cathy & Terry Boak Joan & Larry Bourk Richard Cameron & James Lee Monique Charette Margaret Combe Nancy & Douglas Court Alan & Susan Dyer Peter & Amalie Enns Richard & Jayne Evans J. Stuart Glass Maurice & Marilyn Gomme Patricia Grimes & Richard Cowper Robin Guard Frances Hallworth Brent & Chelsey Harasym

Patron ($15,000-$29,999) Dr. Joseph & Yvette Kushner Leanne & David Steiner

Supporter ($7,500-$14,999) Rioux & Faye Cosby William & Anne Finley Dr. Howard & Marlene Slepkov Kay & Malcolm Smith

The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation Robert & Josephine Henderson Dr. Astrid Heyer & Dr. Matthew Royal Katherine & Jacob Hildebrand Polly Hogan & Ron Ritchell Lauren & Derek Hundert Eric & Linda Jones Rev. Richard Juritsch John & Margaret Krall Kathleen Langlois Barbara Legg Vicki & Patrick Little Dr. Elizabeth Oliver-Malone & the late Dr. Ralph Malone Helen Miller Marion Mooradian Gary & Sarah Nadalin Christopher Newton, CM Elinor O’Neill Paddy & Brian Parr

Betsy & Peter Partington Peter W. Partridge & Poppy Gilliam Dan & Saundra Patterson Dr. Nicholas & Mrs. Colleen Pohran Joe & Anita Robertson Joan Sisler-Wells Annie Slade Robert Smith Jim Stangier & Susan Baker Dr. Susan Sydor Lester & Jean Taylor Ellie Tesher & Vian Ewart, in honour of Carol & David Appel Bradley Thachuk Rose & William Thachuk, in memory Candice Turner-Smith H. Paul & Edith van Dongen Joyce Webb

2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 7

About the Niagara Symphony Orchestra

2015/2016 Board of Directors Executive Dr. Howard Slepkov

Chair

A cultural treasure for over six decades, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1948 as the St. Catharines Civic Orchestra. Incorporated in 1978 as The Niagara Symphony Association (NSA/NSO), the NSO became a professional orchestra of over 50 musicians, now providing classical and contemporary orchestral music to more than 12,000 residents of the Niagara Region annually.

Virginia Atkin

Vice-Chair & Fundraising Chair

Jayne Evans

Secretary

Malcolm Smith

Treasurer

This season the NSO presented 18 concerts in three distinct series: Masterworks, POPS! and Classical Family. The NSO proudly showcases top national and international guest artists, bringing the stars of the world to the stages of Niagara and operates under a collective agreement with the Local 298 of the AFofM.

Carol Appel

Co-chair, Making Our Move

Dr. Terry Boak

Professor Emeritus, Education, Brock University

Monique Charette

Human Resources Management Committee

Brent Harasym

Member at Large

Dr. Joseph Kushner

City Liaison, Niagara Regional Council

Patrick Little

Nominating & Board Development Chair

Roseanne Morissette

Member at Large

Christopher Newton, CM

Artistic Liaison

Past Music Directors have included Leonard Pearlman, M ilton B a rn es , Erm a n n o Florio, U ri M aye r (n ow Conductor Emeritus), Michael Reason, and Daniel Swif t. In the fall of 201 0 the Niagara Symphony Orchestra welcomed Bradley Thachuk as its eighth Music Director and on October 31st, 2015, opened the inaugural season at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines with a marathon performance of Beethoven’s five piano concertos with 2015/16 Artist-in-Residence, Stewart Goodyear.

niagara symphony orchestra

bradley thachuk music director

Board of Directors — Members at Large

Tim Rigby

Member at Large

Daniella Rousal

Education Committee Chair

Dr. Matthew Royal

MIWSFPA Liaison

Jim Stangier

Niagara Youth Orchestra Liaison

Erika Janzen & Charlene Nagel

NSO Players’ Committee

Artistic Staff Bradley Thachuk

Music Director

William Chambers

Personnel Manager

Alison Thomson

Librarian

Administrative Staff Niagara Symphony Association (referred to throughout as Niagara Symphony Orchestra)

11 Bond St., Suite 207, St. Catharines ON L2R 4Z4 T: 905.687.4993 E: info@niagarasymphony.org Charitable Registration # BN 11924 7328RR0001

niagarasymphony.com PAGE 8 | 2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Candice Turner-Smith

Executive Director

B.J. Armstrong

Outreach & Communications Manager

Alan Dyer

Accountant

Sarah Nadalin

Senior Associate, Fundraising

Annie Slade

Executive Assistant

Chelsea Smith

Artistic Administrator

Sarah Kukoly

Community Memories Project Coordinator

2015/2016 NSO Musicians 2015/2016 Artist in Residence

Stewart Goodyear, piano

FLUTE

Doug Miller P Patricia Dydnansky

Julia Morley

FLUTE/PICCOLO

OBOE

Graham Mackenzie P Karen Ages

CLARINET

Zoltan Kalman P Amrom Chodos

BASSOON

Anna Norris P

FRENCH HORN

Austin Hitchcock P Janice Fralick Iris Krizmanic Curtis Vander-Hyden

TRUMPET

Ira Zingraff P Andrew Bearcroft

TROMBONE

Steve Fralick P Dave Sisler

BASS TROMBONE

James Zimmerman

TUBA

TYMPANI

Brent Adams P Laura Thomas P

PERCUSSION

Julian Jeun Mike Phelan

HARP

Deborah Braun P

VIOLIN 1

Concertmaster

Associate Concertmaster

Valerie Sylvester P Xiaoling Li

Michael van Dongen Dianne Humann William Chambers Gail Poulsen Natalie Wong

VIOLIN 2

Charlene Nagel P Mary Beth Doherty Erika Janzen David Braun Jadwiga Pomorski Vera Alekseeva

VIOLA

Marlene Dankiw-Bath P Andrée Simard Terry Ball Phyllis Dankiw (on leave) Pierre Gagnon

CELLO

Gordon Cleland P Sandra Bohn Mark Russom

BASS

Brian Baty P Neal Evans Fil Stasiak

Photography by Robert Nowell

Uri Mayer, Conductor Emeritus Ron Richards, Artist Laureate Jack Silverstein, Deryck Aird, Artists in Memorium

Masterworks 2 photography

by Joel Hannigan Jackson Triggs photography featuring Royal Wood by Max Telzerow

P denotes Principal

2015/2016 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 9

2015/2016 Season MASTERWORKS Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon Blaze of Glory Life’s Promise Time Chronicles Freude – Joy! A Choral Spectacular POPS! Fun and FAB-u-lous: The Music of the Beatles!

Home for the Holidays Oscar’s Score Book ‘S Wonderful, ‘S Marvelous!

CLASSICAL FAMILY From Neverland to Hogwarts!

Twins and the Monster Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage SPECIAL EVENT RECITAL Suite Dreams: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker