MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
On behalf of the City of St. John’s, I am pleased to extend warm greetings to the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra as you launch your 2025/2026 season, Obsessed, Onstage, Onfire.
This year’s theme reflects the passion, dedication, and energy the NSO brings to our community year after year. Through inspiring performances, meaningful education programmes, and steadfast community engagement, the NSO continues to ignite a love of music that enriches the cultural fabric of our city.
My sincere thanks go to the musicians, staff, volunteers, patrons, and sponsors who make each season possible. Your commitment ensures that the symphony not only thrives, but also continues to inspire audiences of all ages.
On behalf of Council, I congratulate the NSO on another exciting season and wish you every success as you share your extraordinary talent with our community.
Warm regards, Danny Breen Mayor of St. John’s
Message from the Lieutenant Governor
As Honorary Patron of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, it is my great pleasure to extend greetings and very best wishes for the 2025-2026 season.
The NSO is a wonderful orchestra, which has served to cultivate and profile many of the exceptional artists we have in our province. The gift of the NSO’s rich orchestral music has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador. Again this year, a variety of performances are planned, sure to delight audiences and inspire us all.
This season is the first under the artistic leadership of Music Director Simon Rivard. Congratulations on your new role, and welcome!
I hope you will enjoy the performances the NSO has in store this year. To everyone involved: the musicians, staff, crew, and all who have a hand in producing this season, I thank you and wish you the best.
Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
We acknowledge the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as the traditional territory of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the distinct histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province. We strive for respectful relationships with all the peoples of this province as we search for collective healing and true reconciliation and honour this beautiful land together.
RECITAL 2 ATLANTIC STRING QUARTET
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 • Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Presented by IdeaFactory
Heather Kao, violin
Nancy Case-Oates, violin
Kate Read, viola
Nathan Cook, cello
PROGRAMME
E. Smyth String Quartet in e minor
I. Allegro lirico
II. Allegro molto leggiero
III. Andante
IV. Allegro energico
INTERMISSION
C. Sohy String Quartet no. 2, op 33 17 min.
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Rondo
F. Ali-Zadeh Rǝqs (Dance) 9 min.
I. Allegro
II. Pastorale, Andantino
III. Menuetto and Trio
IV. Presto Agitato
ATLANTIC STRING QUARTET
Formed in 1985, the Atlantic String Quartet (ASQ) is a versatile and professional chamber ensemble comprised of the principal string players of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO): Heather Kao, first violin; Nancy Case-Oates, second violin; Kate Read, viola; and Nathan Cook, Cello. In addition to their work with the full orchestra and NSO Sinfonia, the quartet produces its own Recital Series each season, presenting a broad selection of works from the rich quartet and small ensemble repertoires. The ASQ is an integral part of the creative life of its community and is known for its versatility and ability to work with music and musicians from all styles and genres. Having shared the stage with such international classical musicians as Anton Kuerti, André Laplante, and Martin Beaver, and local artists such as jazz artist Duane Andrews and renowned songwriter Ron Hynes, the members of the quartet also teach privately, and coach and conduct other ensembles. In 2014, the ASQ was offered a placement at the prestigious St. Lawrence String Quartet Music Seminar in Stanford, CA. In 2020 the quartet released its first self-titled debut album featuring works by Arthur Bliss and Maurice Ravel.
Help support the NSO by participating in the BIG GIVE-AWAY contest.
Your donation will help inspire students, nurture local talent, and ensure that world class symphonic music continues to thrive here at home.
To enter, donate $100 to the NSO. Each $100 donation is one entry. For more entries, donate in $100 increments (i.e. $500 is 5 entries).
The Prize ($1000+ value):
2 tickets to Big Ticket 2027
26/27 season Pops Concert subscription for two NSO swag for two ($300 value)
Scan the QR code below to donate or visit nsomusic.ca/support/individual-giving
Contest ends at midnight Monday, March 2
Winner will be announced Friday, March 6
UPCOMING CONCERTS
MAR.
OVATION A STANDING FOR OUR SUPPORTERS
NSO Staff
Simon Rivard, Music Director
Martin MacDonald, Principal Pops Conductor
Hugh Donnan, CEO
Lynn Ann Pye, Patron Relations
Jennifer Brennan, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Susan Kelsey, Marketing & Event Manager
Dominic Greene, Personnel Manager
Steve Power, Production Manager/Video Production/Editing
Jenny Griffioen, Librarian
Kyle McDavid, Graphic Designer
NSO Board
Jessica Chapman (Chair)
Michelle Davis (Vice-Chair)
Tom Hickey (Past Chair)
Douglas Wright (Treasurer)
Robert Thompson (Corporate Secretary)
Philip Harrington
Eleanor Swanson
Heather McKinnon
Andrea Rose
Duncan Fitzpatrick
Glenn Colton
Alana
Aimee
Robert
Jennifer
Jing
Karen
Chris
Amanda
Charlie
Andrii Shyshkin
Beth Porter
