K-W Symphony to offer online concerts en français

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony says it will start offering a French version of online concerts in a bid to "transform its relationship with the French-speaking community in Waterloo region."

As well, the symphony says it's hoped by offering French concerts, more people outside of the region will watch the shows.

"This project is a further step in the [symphony's] commitment to accessibility, diversity, and equity by transforming the relationship with Franco-Ontarians and leveraging the current public health crisis to yield positive outcomes," the symphony said in a release.

The symphony has been recording performances on the stage at Centre in the Square in Kitchener and posting them online during the pandemic. The symphony says most presentation and speaking elements, written elements such as title sequences, captions, orchestra list, and sponsor recognition will be recorded and produced in both French and English.

The first concert to feature a French version is this weekend's presentation of The Master and the Prodigy led by music director Andrei Feher. It features works by Haydn and Mendelssohn.

The symphony received funding through the province's Francophone community grants program to make the French concerts.